Beetle declared extinct 50 years ago reappears naturally in Polish forests

The Calosoma sycophanta beetle, declared extinct in Poland around 50 years ago, has reappeared on its own in areas plagued by the oak processionary moth — its favoured prey. Scientists are calling it a "minor sensation" and see the beetle as an unexpected natural ally against the moth, which poses health risks to humans. Researchers hope the beetle's return will help control the pest population naturally.

More on this topic

🔬 Science Beetle thought extinct for 50 years returns to Poland — and eats Europe's pest Rzeczpospolita · 8d ago 🔬 Science Returning beetle could halt oak processionary moth invasion across Europe Rzeczpospolita · 8d ago 🔬 Science Parasite Makes Ants Live Longer and Tricks Others Into Worshipping Them — Scientists Now Know How ScienceAlert · 11h ago 🔬 Science Canadian Goldenrod: Beautiful, Invasive and Threatening Poland's Nature National Geographic PL · 1d ago 🔬 Science Brain circuits in bees determine which jobs they perform in the colony Science Daily · 1d ago 🔬 Science Over half of Earth's migratory bird species are in decline The Conversation · 1d ago

More on this topic

🔬 Science Beetle thought extinct for 50 years returns to Poland — and eats Europe's pest Rzeczpospolita · 8d ago 🔬 Science Returning beetle could halt oak processionary moth invasion across Europe Rzeczpospolita · 8d ago 🔬 Science Parasite Makes Ants Live Longer and Tricks Others Into Worshipping Them — Scientists Now Know How ScienceAlert · 11h ago