Oiceoptoma thoracicum
Oiceoptoma thoracicum
Alternative names
Red-breasted Carrion Beetle, Oiceoptoma thoracica
Description
Sometimes known as the Red-breasted Carrion Beetle, this is a two coloured species and distinctive in appearance.
Habitat
Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats.
When to see it
Mainly April to August.
Life History
Curiously enough this species does not eat the material itself, but both adults and larvae hunt for larvae of other insects, such as flies, eating from the remains.
UK Status
Widespread but not particularly common in Britain.
VC55 Status
Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 9 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020





