Sensational insect discovery
Chlorophorus Herbstii
A seldom-found beetle has been found for the first time in Norway.
“I just had to let loose cheers when I discovered what I had found in the rock pile,” says Per Kristian Solevåg. He was absolutely sure that it was the rare beetle Chlorophorus Herbstii he had found in the tangle of roots in front of him.
This is the first time in Norway this beetle has been detected. Insect Researcher Per Kristian Solevåg found it on Utstranda in Hole in Buskerud.
The are plenty of Chlorophorus Herbstii in southern Europe, and some findings have been made in Sweden and Finland, but never before in Norway.
“Yes, this is so far a sensational discovery. It is the first of its kind by of this beetle to be found in Norway and the western-most find in Europe,” said insect researcher Lars Ove Hansen at the Natural History Museum.
Hansen believes that the beetle can survive in the area of Utstranda, since there are several instances of the linden tree, and the area is relatively warm in summer.
“If you are looking for more discoveries of this rare beetle, one should search the linden trees that have been attacked by mistletoe, maybe in Hurum area,” said the insect researcher.
There may also be other habitats for this beetle in the Sundvollen-Krokskogen area, says Hansen.
Solevåg has special training in entomology (insect research) and works as a lecturer at St. Hallvard High School in Lier. He is very proud of beetle he has found.
Norwegian Public Roads in Buskerud has had biologists look at the area where the rare beetle was found, says the project manager Tore Braaten.
“After biologists have discovered that the place next to the new bypass road at Utstranda is a rare usable habitat for this beetle species, we have created a habitat for insects in the area. A habitat is a living area for insects including the rare Chlorophorus Herbstii,” says Braaten.
He says that they were told by the finder of the beetle that this area had to be examined more closely.
“After the Public Roads Administration made thorough investigations in the area, they determined that the boulder where the beetle was found was not to be touched at all,” says Tore Braaten.
“Since this is the westernmost discovery made of the beetle species Chlorophorus Herbstii on the European-Asian continent, it is clear that it is important to pave the way for it to live and multiply in Hole,” says project leader Norwegian Public Roads Administration, “Even in areas where we need to build new roads.”
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