Conservation
A devil's coach horse beetle from Europe. We can help this species survive successfully by conserving natural spaces.
Ocypus olens is a beneficial insect. Its diet ensures that organic matter is broken down and nutrients are returned to the food chain and the soil.
This beetle does not have conservation status in the UK. It is an example of a species successfully exploiting an ecological niche.
Its place as a dominant insect predator are ensured by:
- non-specific habitat requirements
- a diverse and plentiful food source
However, we must ensure that habitats continue to exist for this beetle species to survive successfully. This means conserving natural spaces, and where they don't exist, building a beetle refuge.
Essential habitat requirements:
- dead wood
- leaf litter