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Sensational beetle find in Denmark
Christian Wenande
July 7th, 2015
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First time the longhorn beetle ‘plagionotus detritus’ has been seen in Denmark for 140 years
The beetle was found on a large old tree trunk in Jægersborg Dyrehave (photo: Naturstyrelsen)
An amateur entomologist has made the most sensational Danish beetle discovery in recent times in Jægersborg Dyrehave just north of Copenhagen.
A longhorn beetle plagionotus detritus – urskovshvepsebukken in Danish – was found on a huge tree stump in the old forest in late June. The beetle hasn’t been seen in Denmark for 140 years.
“The plagionotus detritus find is a sign that the forest nature is in balance, because urskovshvepsebukken is very demanding,” said Jes Aagaard, a nature guide with the nature authority Naturstyrelsen.
“They only exist where there are many old trees and dead foliage at the forest floor. In Dyrehaven, urskovshvepsebukken has perfect conditions to live.”
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Area mapped out
The black and yellow-striped beetle is about two centimetres in length and has long antennae. It is harmless to humans and doesn’t bite or sting.
Naturstyrelsen has mapped out where the beetle was found and will take extra care of the area by leaving the old trees be.
The public is permitted to look at the beetles but, naturally, they must not be removed.
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