The landscape around St Helena is an insect paradise. Beetles are one of the most species-rich groups. On warm evenings, the greater stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) or the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) can be seen flying through the streets of St. Helena. The European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) can sometimes be found close to street lamps.
Noticeable grassland species include the dung beetle species Copris lunaris with the males’ heads adorned with a distinctive horn, and Sisyphus schaefferi, known for its balls of dung. The grazed areas with sparse grass and beaten paths are home to interesting species from the large group of weevils. In the spring, the bulbous oil beetles (Meloe) might catch the visitor’s eye. The scattered shrubs overgrowing the pastures host beetles from the Capnodis genus.
Lots of coprophilous beetles help to break down cattle dung in pastures. One of the most visible species is the Copris lunaris. (Photo by R. Stejskal.)
Noticeable grassland species include the dung beetle species Copris lunaris with the males’ heads adorned with a distinctive horn, and Sisyphus schaefferi, known for its balls of dung. The grazed areas with sparse grass and beaten paths are home to interesting species from the large group of weevils. In the spring, the bulbous oil beetles (Meloe) might catch the visitor’s eye. The scattered shrubs overgrowing the pastures host beetles from the Capnodis genus.
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Projekt byl podpořen z prostředků Ministerstva zahraničních věcí ČR v rámci projektů veřejné diplomacie.
