Black Oil-beetle
Black Oil-beetle - Meloe proscarabaeus
Description
A large (~30mm) shiny black beetle with a straight base to the thorax and a very small rounded tooth at the base.
Similar Species
Violet Oil Beetle, Meloe violaceus.
Identification difficulty
Recording advice
Detailed photos showing key features required.
Habitat
Unimproved grassland, occasionally woodland sites.
UK Status
Found throughout the UK, less common in the north.
VC55 Status
Uncommon.
Tim Sexton
Rutland Water
07 March 2025
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020
UK Map
Additional images
No additional images available for this species.