Shiny beetle discovered near Rold Skov, Denmark

A new beetle species, Trachys Compressus, has been discovered in the Engene area near Villestrup Å, south of Rold Skov in North Jutland, Denmark. This marks the first time the metallic beetle has been found in the country, according to The Danish Nature Foundation, which owns the land. Biologist and beetle enthusiast Gorm Pilgaard Jørgensen made the discovery with an insect vacuum. The find wasn’t just a few stray beetles but several in a particular type of fen, indicating a stable population. Jørgensen suggests naming it ‘Djævelsbidpragtbille’ as its larvae only live on the ‘Devil’s-bit’ plant. Flemming Nielsen, the Foundation’s director, is excited about this addition to Denmark’s biodiversity and hopes to expand the beetle’s habitat through extensive restoration, including freeing water, restoring natural springs, converting fields to nature, and ensuring proper land management.