About Rugged Oil Beetle
A rare, dark and heavily wrinkled oil beetle that appears in autumn unlike its spring-emerging relatives. It is one of Britain's most endangered beetles.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few European oil beetles that is active during the autumn and winter months.
How to Identify Rugged Oil Beetle
Rugged Oil Beetle (Meloe rugosus) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Meloidae. Adults typically measure 8-25 mm.
Rugged Oil Beetle Habitat
Rugged Oil Beetle is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Southern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Rugged Oil Beetle Diet and Feeding
Rugged Oil Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Rugged Oil Beetle Found?
Rugged Oil Beetle can be found in Western Europe, Southern Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Rugged Oil Beetle can be found
Is Rugged Oil Beetle Dangerous?
Rugged Oil Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Rugged Oil Beetle Role in Nature
Rugged Oil Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Rugged Oil Beetle
What does Rugged Oil Beetle look like?
The Rugged Oil Beetle typically measures 8-25 mm.
Where is Rugged Oil Beetle found?
The Rugged Oil Beetle is found in Western Europe, Southern Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Rugged Oil Beetle eat?
The Rugged Oil Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Rugged Oil Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Rugged Oil Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Rugged Oil Beetle endangered?
The Rugged Oil Beetle is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Rugged Oil Beetle?
It is one of the few European oil beetles that is active during the autumn and winter months.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Rugged Oil Beetle (Meloe rugosus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rugged-oil-beetle
MLA:
"Rugged Oil Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rugged-oil-beetle.