A strange tussle on Budby Heath this afternoon. Out on one of the paths was this small 3.5 mm Hister beetle, Margarinotus purpurescens. Not the commonest beetle, but one I have encountered before in animal dung. This chap was taking on a Crane Fly larva several times its size. A secure hold was had by the beetle whilst the tipulid larva was flailing around trying to shake it off. I have to say that I separated the two as I needed the beetle for a correct id. This beetle should usually have a reddish spot on each elytron, but as is often the case it is not too clear on this specimen.
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| Beetle and larva, bit of a battle going on. |
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