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Heather Beetle

Heather Beetle

Lochmaea suturalis

A species of Lochmaea

Lochmaea suturalis, commonly referred to as the heather beetle, is a beetle of the genus Lochmaea native to north-west Europe. It feeds upon heather. They are difficult to spot as they are camouflaged with a brownish colour, and are about 6 millimetres (0.24 in) long. They have a tendency to hide, and they drop into the undergrowth if they are disturbed. They are easier to see when in large numbers on the same plant. The adult beetle spends the winter in dormant diapause in moss or litter in the undergrowth of the heather plants, and they do this until the spring weather brings a rise in temperature, which stimulates them to emerge, feed, and reproduce. They are able to fly up to a range of several miles after spring emergence. They will generally do this after fire, when the surrounding heather is of poor quality, or if the heather has been browsed enough that it turns into grassland. They do however, have a level of resilience and are able to survive for some time in grassland such as Deschampsia flexuosa.

General Info About Heather Beetle
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Attributes of Heather Beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Heath; damp understory of moss; leaves
Adult Food Sources
Heather (calluna vulgaris), bell heather (erica cinerea), cross-leaved heath (erica tetralix), bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)
Larva Food Source
Heather (calluna vulgaris), bell heather (erica cinerea), cross-leaved heath (erica tetralix), bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Heather Beetle
Widespread and common
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Predators of Heather Beetle Larvae
Birds, rodents, lizards, predacious beetles, parasitic wasps
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Predators of Adult Heather Beetle
Birds, small mammals, lizards, spiders, predaceous insects, parasitic wasps
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Interesting Facts About Heather Beetle
The heather Beetle can alter its body color to closely match its environment, a rare ability among beetles that aids in its camouflage.
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Scientific Classification of Heather Beetle
Tips for Finding Heather Beetle
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How Can You Attract Heather Beetle
Attractants or specialized pheromone traps could be used to capture adult heather Beetle, which would typically involve food or scents that mimic the pheromones released by the species.
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Habitat Preferences of Heather Beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of heather Beetle are commonly found on the leaves and stems of their host plants, mainly birch, in various habitats ranging from forests to urban areas. In contrast, adults predominantly inhabit the foliage of birch trees as well, but they can also be found on nearby vegetation or migrating to new locations. To find the eggs of heather Beetle, one would examine the undersides of birch leaves. Searching for larvae requires inspecting the leaves and stems of the host plants. Adult heather Beetle are more mobile and could be located by looking on or around the foliage of birch trees.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Heather Beetle
The most suitable time to find adult heather Beetle would be during their active periods, which could depend on the climate but is typically during the warmer months of the year when they are most active and mating.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Heather Beetle
Adult heather Beetle might be more visible and active during dry and warm conditions. Overcast days may provide better opportunities for finding larvae, as many such insects are less active during periods of intense sunlight.
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How and Where Can You Find Heather Beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Heather Beetle larvae can commonly be found on host plants, so inspecting leaves for feeding damage or frass (droppings) can help locate them. They tend to be more active at dawn and dusk.
Pupal Finding heather Beetle pupae requires inspecting the soil around host plants or beneath leaf litter, as they may pupate in the soil or hidden areas near their food source.
Adult Adult heather Beetle can often be found on or near their host plants. Searching for them involves looking on leaves, stems, and flowers during the day, particularly in warm weather when they are most active.
Are Heather Beetle harmful?
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Are Heather Beetle harmful to humans?

Some colorful leaf beetles are actually toxic, and their beautiful appearance is warning predators: I am very dangerous, do not eat me! However, just observing with your eyes and touching the leaf beetle with your hand will not be poisoned.
Harmful Effects of Heather Beetle
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Hurt Plant

Heather Beetle inflicts damage on plants of the Ericaceae family primarily through chewing plant tissues. Its feeding activity results in noticeable injury particularly to the leaves as it consumes the plant matter, reducing the photosynthetic ability of the host and potentially leading to defoliation.

More Effects of Heather Beetle

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