And another one

Whilst geting changed out of my running gear post-race last weekend in Llanberis, north Wales, this small staph landed on my sweaty kit. Luckily I had a pot to hand and managed to collect it before it flew off again in the mid afternoon sun. 

I thought intially it was a Xantholinus, but on examination at home I realised I was in the right tribe but this was a different genus and one I hadn't seen before. It keyed easily to Nudobius lentus. 

This species is saproxylic and associated with various conifers, particularly pines, although can ustilise broad leaf speecies too. They apparently feed on bark beetles and can be quite an important peast control species.

Another new staph, my favourite family. 

A new staph

Last week, while on a work trip to Dumfries and Galloway I visited the RSPB's Mersehead reserve. The weather was amazing and we had a guided tour of the site. 

We had a look at the dune system, saw some Natterjack spawn and I even got to have a quick poke around under som beach debris. I have a couple of aleochs sitting in a tube still awaiting a name but I did find this beauty.

When I saw it I thought it was Bolitobius species but once I was home and had it under the microscope I managed to convince myself it was a weird looking Quedius. Should have stuck with my initial assessment!

This is Bolitobius castaneus. It's the smaller of the two UK species and has 8 to 10 puncture on the sutural stria as oppsed 5 or 6 in B. cingulatus. A new species for me.

EDIT: wrong again. Staphs are a learning game! It's actually a Mycetoporus. Need to have another look.

UPDATE: so thankfully my mistake was pointed out and this keys to Mycetoporus longulus. There are records from nearby too. Still a new staph though!!

I also found a Pterostichus vernalis and this Broscus.