Beetles are a species group that I know little about, other than the well-known and more distinctive species (partly because I have not really looked much). Here are two black ones that I have come across, one I recognised and one I don't...
Minotaur Beetle found in Rowney Warren at the end of April while unsuccessfully searching for potential Firecrest, Woodlark and Tree Pipit in what looked like suitable habitat. First I had seen.
UnID beetle from my garden moth trap, 28th June, Thanks to replies received, seems to be Nicrophorus humator which I have had in the garden twice before but previously looked longer than this. Seem to remember the previous one being a bit smelly as well...
We came across this minotaur beetle (Typhaeus typhoeus) on the new pathway up by the Lodge gatehouse. There have been lots of small holes appearing in various parts of the heath recently and I’m reliably told that it’s due to these guys emerging for the start of the year. It seems that they prefer cooler temperatures and that they’re most active around February-March-April and again in the autumn.