Violet oil beetle
Meloe violaceus
21 mmAdult female
Body length
Body length
od przodu głowy do końca odwłoka · bez czułków, nóg i wystających skrzydełMeasurement: side
Violet oil beetle — size comparison
The violet oil beetle appears in spring on meadows, clearings and grassy woodland edges. It is widespread in Europe. Its dark body has a violet sheen, and the f
Silhouette comparison
Length
od przodu głowy do końca odwłoka · bez czułków, nóg i wystających skrzydełScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Measurement comparisonScale in cm
0246810
21 mm
8.56 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Violet oil beetle — size comparison — facts and sources
The violet oil beetle appears in spring on meadows, clearings and grassy woodland edges. It is widespread in Europe. Its dark body has a violet sheen, and the female has a large, swollen abdomen extending far beyond the short wing cases. The beetle cannot fly and moves on the ground or low plants.
Adults eat succulent plant parts. Their larvae exploit wild bee nests. The mobile first stage climbs plants and attaches to flower-visiting insects. Transport to a suitable nest provides access to food stored there for the bee's offspring.