Information: Meloe uralensis, described by Pallas in 1773.
Meloe uralensis belongs to the group of very small Meloe species. The head is triangular in shape. The coloration is uniformly dull black, and the body is distinctly flattened and smooth. The shortened elytra (elytral stubs) are clearly visible and overlap in the upper part.
The lateral margins of the elytra bear a raised keel along their entire length. The head and pronotum are very finely and sparsely punctured, appearing almost smooth and with a greasy shine. The dorsal surface of the elytra is very finely wrinkled; the upper side is black, while the underside and the inflexed lateral margins of the elytra are blue. The body is covered with black setae; in males, the ventral side of the tarsi is covered with yellowish hairs.
Possible confusion with Meloe decorus: Due to body shape, Meloe decorus may be confused with Meloe uralensis. However, M. uralensis lacks any metallic or colored sheen on the head and pronotum and is uniformly black. In addition, the elytra of M. uralensis are smooth, unlike the distinctly punctured and wrinkled elytra of M. decorus.
Body length: 9 - 23 mm
Peak activity: January - May
Remarks: Meloe uralensis is a localized and rare species distributed from southeastern Europe and southeastern Central Europe to Central Asia. It primarily inhabits xerothermic slopes and sandy areas. It is one of the earliest spring species – adults emerge early in the season, during which time they feed on various plant species.
The species occurs mainly in well-preserved steppe and meadow habitats that support a diverse assemblage of hymenopteran insects, which serve as hosts for its parasitic larval stage.
Distribution: Armenia, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Zoogeographic region: Palearctic
Taxonomic classification:
Material examined (& observation):
Czech Republic 
South Moravia Region
Pouzdranska steppe Protected Area (Pouzdřanská step)
Pouzdřany env.
(GPS) 
Altitude 290 m a.s.l. |
Our observation period: March ~ April 
Sampling Methods: in grassy vegetation 
Czechia
