Carrion Beetle – Oiceoptoma thoracicum
March 28th 2012
Carrion Beetle – Oiceoptoma thoracicum
This beetle was discovered by Russell Robertson in his garden in Lochinver on 24th March 2012.
It was subsequently identified by Ian Evans, thanks Ian, as Oiceoptoma thoracicum. This is carrion beetle which not only eats carrion, but is also fond of stinkhorn fungi. It was a bit early for the fungi!
This beetle, which is fairly widespread in Assynt, is unmistakable from its colour pattern and the strong ribbing on its wing-cases.
Recent Sightings
Sanderling
Two feeding along the shoreline at Clashnessie Beach (Pete) (20/08)
Fox Moth Caterpillar
One at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (17/08)
Burying Beetle
One in a garden at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (12/08)
Bee Beetle
One in a garden at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (11/08)
Golden Eagle
One at Elphin (Pete) (11/08)
Scotch Argus butterfly
Four at two locations along Drumbeg Peat Road (Vince Hilton) (09/08)
Barn Owl
Hunting at last light, c. 22:00, Eadar da' sloc, near Lochinver (Michael Rochester) (08/08)
Spotted Flycatcher
A family group of three nested locally (Stefan Taylor) (04/08)
