Subject: FYI
Location: Huntly’s Cave, Grantown-On-Spey, Highlands, Scotland
May 30, 2017 1:58 pm
Hi,
Not sure if you’re interested in this but thought I’d show you an Oil Beetle I found today. I had no idea what it was but thanks to the wonders of Google and your site I think i’ve got the right name.
Signature: Thanks, Bill
Dear Bill,
Thanks so much for sending in your image of your Scottish Oil Beetle. We don’t know how many species in the genus Meloe are found in the UK, but Meloe proscarabeus is mentioned on UK Safari where it states: “When alarmed, the adult oil beetles can release a foul smelling oil – hence the name.” There does appear to be a secretion on the palm of your hand. According to Bug Life: ” There are five species of oil beetles in the UK, the Black oil beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), the Violet oil beetle (Meloe violaceus), the Short-necked oil beetle (Meloe brevicollis), the Rugged oil beetle (Meloe rugosus) and the Mediterranean oil beetle (Meloe mediterraneus). The first three can be found in the spring and we need your help to monitor their distribution to aid our conservation work.” We would encourage you to post your sighting there.