The distinctive Strandline Beetle (Eurynebria complanata), known for its beautiful black and sand-coloured patterns, is the focus of renewed conservation efforts during 2025 in South West England.
The last recorded sighting of the Strandline Beetle in England was in 2002 at Braunton Burrows in North Devon. Optimistic conservation experts at Buglife are hoping to rediscover the beetle this year.
The Strandline Beetle is found on beaches backed by sand dunes. At night the beetle forages for food along the strandline. During the day it hides under driftwood. Buglife has been conducting targeted surveys at historic Strandline Beetle sites in Devon and Somerset.
Expanded surveys are planned for 2025, and it is hoped that surviving populations will be found. These beautiful 20mm beetles, perfectly camouflaged against sandy beaches, may be overlooked rather than extinct in England.
“We’re inviting people to join our conservation community,” says Buglife Species Recovery Officer, Laura Krusin. “Anyone who believes they’ve spotted this beetle since 2000 can submit photos through our ‘Search for the Strandline Beetle’ webpage. Every observation contributes valuable data that could help protect this species for future generations.”
The upcoming Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean presents a perfect opportunity for people to help this special beetle.
Laura continues: “With Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean taking place across the UK over the next two weeks, we know many people will be out doing their bit to improve their local environment. Strandline Beetles use natural strandline materials such as driftwood to hide from predators during the day before coming out to feed at night. It is therefore vital that any natural debris is left in place during beach cleans to protect the beetle’s habitat.”
Beach clean-up volunteers can help the Strandline Beetle by:
- Not removing natural debris such as driftwood, which provides crucial daytime shelter for the beetles;
- Keeping watch for these distinctive insects while undertaking beach cleans;
- Reporting any potential sightings, which could lead to exciting new discoveries.
With more eyes on the ground, there is real potential for rediscovering this missing beetle in England.
Join the Search for the Strandline Beetle by visiting buglife.org.uk/search-for-the-strandline-beetle
