Darkling Beetle

Lagria hirta

Description

Over all length 7 - 9mm. This beetle has black head and legs and hairy, brown elytra.

Habitat

Woodland edge and shady hedgerows. The adults feed on nectar and pollen from umbelliferous flowers and the larvae feed on detritus in the leaf litter.

Status and distribution

Locally common in the south-east, East Anglia, the Midlands, coastal Wales and less common in coastal situations further north. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.