This
surprising recent addition to the Sherwood Forest NNR
species list, was discovered in an area of Budby SF by
Adrian Dutton and his wife on April 2nd 2011. Black Oil Beetles
are in decline across the UK with M. proscarabaeus
currently described as vulnerable, thought possibly to be linked to the
decline in many bee species.
The only other site in
Nottinghamshire for this spectacular beetle, was thought to be within the
grounds of Newstead Abbey, where it can be found around
the Cricket pitch and visitor car park. However, records have recently
(2023) come from Clumber Park, so it is likely to turn up at other
locations. |