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Lagria hirta

Lagria hirta below belongs to its own family of beetles, called the Lagrid Beetles (Lagriidae). A very small family, for in Britain it is represented by two species only. And of the two species only this one is quite common. The beetle itself is black, but the shields are brown and covered in small, thin hairs. The beetle reaches a length of some 10mm. The larvae are usually found among leaf litter on the ground, but do live in compost heaps as well. The larva overwinters and pupates in early spring. Adult beetles are seen from April to October. Lagria hirta prefers meadows, forest clearings, parks and gardens, if not too dry. A common species in Wales and most of England. Less common in Northern England and a local species in Scotland.