Beetles belong to the Insect Order Coleoptera. This is a very large and diverse group and the Lowes has several fascinating species.

Minotaur beetle

A real heathland speciality. Named after the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. The male beetle has horns like its namesake, which the female lacks. They dig long burrows up to 1.5m long and provision them with rabbit droppings for the larvae to feed on. They are best looked for is spring and early summer, especially in the early morning. They are nocturnal but don’t always hide away as dawn breaks. The holes they dig in the sand are are very distinctive, often with rabbit pellets nearby

Glow-worm

Glow-worms (which are actually beetles) are very local in Norfolk. On dark nights in mid summer, however, you may be lucky enough to spot the ethereal glow of a female trying to attract a mate.

The video below shows a female glowing and a winged male then arrives. After some display they start to mate

Green Tiger Beetle

Tiger beetles and their larvae are fearsome predators. The adults typically run along tracks on the heath looking for prey. You often see them flying up in front of you. Their larvae dig a burrow and wait at the entrance to grab passing insects.