Panagaeus bipustulatus

Two spot - Cross runners ( Panagaeus bipustulatus )

The two- spot cross - runners ( Panagaeus bipustulatus ) is a beetle of the family of ground beetles ( Carabidae ). There are in Central Europe, two very similar species of the genus Panagaeus sighted, but clearly differ in their ecological requirements.

Features

The beetles reach a body length of 6.5 to 8 millimeters. They have a black body color and a dense fine pubescence. Your pronotum is strongly irregularly structured and slightly narrower than the very similar swamp Cross runners ( Panagaeus cruxmajor ). On the black wing covers ( elytra ) are each two broad red spots. Between the spots formed by the black elytra seam a black cross. Unlike the similar nature which the deck wingtips closer spots do not touch the edge of the top wing. The antennae are dark, except for the last links that are colored reddish brown.

Similar Species

• Swamp Cross runners ( Panagaeus cruxmajor )

Occurrence and life

The animals are found to the south of Northern Europe Southern Europe from the north. To the east extends their range on the Caucasus to Iran. Unlike Father cruxmajor the two spot - cross runners settled warm and dry habitats such as semi-arid grassland, quarries and dry slopes. Only at higher altitudes and wet areas are inhabited. The adults overwinter. Like all species of the subfamily Panagaeinae they can single out an unpleasant smell danger.