Information: Osmoderma barnabita was described by Motschulsky in 1845, probably from Lithuania (Baltic States).
Osmoderma barnabitahas a brownish-black coloration with a slight sheen. The body is smooth and oval-shaped. The antennae are short. The pronotum (shield) features several clearly visible raised ridges and is finely punctuated. The elytra (wing covers) have indistinct grooves and are edged with reddish hairs. The underside is black and almost hairless.
According to the latest scientific findings, the species formerly known as Osmoderma eremita has been split into several distinct species. Originally, Osmoderma eremita was considered the species present in the Czech Republic. However, this name is now reserved for the hermit beetle occurring in Western Europe, with a range extending from Spain through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
The species found in the Czech Republic has been reclassified as Osmoderma barnabita. This species inhabits the eastern part of Europe, from Germany to the Caucasus, as well as the Balkans and Greece. Both Osmoderma eremita and Osmoderma barnabita are known to co-occur in parts of Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
Body length: 24 - 30 mm
Peak activity: May - September
Remarks: Osmoderma barnabita is a rare saproxylic beetle species, primarily found in traditional pasture woodlands with old, sun-exposed trees. Today, it mostly survives in ancient trees located in parks, tree-lined avenues, game reserves, and willow stands. It prefers sunlit, hollow trees with cavities where the larvae develop, often in the middle to upper sections of the trunk. These cavities must be protected from constant rainfall—beetles of this species are not found in water-exposed hollows.
The adults usually stay close to the natal cavity, which they rarely leave. They are mainly active at dusk and during the evening hours. Although capable of flight, they typically fly only short distances. When disturbed, the beetles release a secretion with a distinctive smell, often compared to leather or to the scent of the Alpine boxwood (Chamaebuxus alpestris).
Host trees include oaks (Quercus spp.), beeches (Fagus sylvatica), lindens (Tilia spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), and several fruit trees such as plums (Prunus spp.), pears (Pyrus spp.), and domestic apples (Malus domestica). The larval development is long-lasting, taking at least three years. The larvae create a cocoon from decayed wood in which they pupate.
Distribution: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Ukraine
Zoogeographic region: Palearctic
Taxonomic classification:
Material examined (& observation):
Our observation period: June ~ August
Sampling Methods: mainly on old trees and hollows
Czechia
