Emus hirtus LINNAEUS 1758
Creators: name: Glotov, Serhii
name: Geryak, Yurii
name: Kavurka, Vitalii
name: Petrenko, Andrii
name: Brusentsova, Nataliia
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Staphylinidae
Emus
Emus hirtus

description: Taxonomy. Emus hirtus
is a very peculiar looking, easy to identify large beetle mimicking a bumble bee, unique in the Western Palaearctic (Fig. 1.). Its most recent taxonomic treatment and illustrations can be found in (Zhao & Solodovnikov 2023).
Distribution. It is a European-Mediterranean nemoral species, widespread in Europe, the Caucasus, Turkey, Cyprus, Iran and Kazakhstan (Psarev 2014; Schülke & Smetana 2015). It occurs sporadically throughout its range. In recent decades it has been more or less rare everywhere (Kočárek 1997, 2000; Biel et al. 2014; Urban 2016). In Ukraine, it is widespread but locally distributed almost throughout the whole territory, recorded in all natural zones of the plains, as well as in the Carpathians and Crimean Mountains (Fig. 2.).
Below is a list of all сonfirmed records of the species in Ukraine:
Autonomous Republic of Crimea: Crimea (Pliginskyi 1928; Kryzhanovskyi 1979; Gusarov 1989); Crimea, without date, 1 spec., O. Jacentkowski (ZIN); ibidem, 20.05.2005, 1 spec. (ZIN); vicinity of Almin reservoir, in dung, 14.07.1970, 1 spec., A. Petrenko (SIZK); Alushta, 1 spec., (ZIN); Koktebel, 1 spec., 20.07. (ZIN); Krasnolissia, forest, 23.04.1983, 1 spec., O. Zahuliaiev (ZIN); Kyzyl-Koba cave vicinity (Shaporinsky 2010); Mashyne (Suchkov 2018); Mykhailivka, 7.05.2008, 1 spec., (ZIN); Simferopol (UkrBIN 2024); Staryi Krym, 4.06.2005, 1 spec., O. Kyrychenko (ZIN).
Cherkasy Region: Uman (Petrenko 1974); ibidem, 1 spec., A. Ushynskyi (SIZK).
Chernihiv Region: Berezhivka (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Burivka (Sheshurak et al. 2022); Chernetske (Sheshurak et al. 2019); Danivske Game Reserve (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Desnianske (Nazarov & Sheshurak 2014; Sheshurak et al. 2018); Halahanivka (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Holubivka (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Horodyshche (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Husavka (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Ichnia (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Kamianska Sloboda (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Khlopianyky (Sheshurak et al. 2018); ibidem, dry meadow, in cow dung, 17.07.2013, 1 spec., V. Kavurka (cKv); Kovchyn (Sheshurak et al. 2022); Kukshyn (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Luka (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Nizhyn (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Nyzkivka (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Smolianka (Roshchot et al. 2014); Snovsk (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Sokyryntsi (Sheshurak et al. 2019); Talalaivka (Sheshurak et al. 2022; UkrBIN 2024); Tupychiv (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Yaduty vicinity (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Yeline (Sheshurak et al. 2019; UkrBIN 2024); Vertiivka (Sheshurak et al. 2019). Moreover, information on the species’ records in the region is contained in numerous other reports by P.M. Sheshurak and some other Ukrainian zoologists and entomologists who studied the rare fauna of the Chernihiv region (Marisova et al. 1990; Kanivets et al. 1992; Gornostai et al. 2001; Kanivets et al. 2003; Kavurka & Sheshurak 2004; Sheshurak 2000, 2004, 2005; Sheshurak & Berest 2003; Sheshurak & Shevchenko 2000).
Chernivtsi Region: Bancheny (Volutsa & Volutsa 2014); Chernivtsi (UkrBIN 2024).
Dnipropetrovsk Region: Bulakhivka and Levadki vicinity, floodplain of the Vovcha river in the vicinity of Kamianske (Petrenko et al. 2011); Dnipro, Kamianske, Pavlograd, Vasylkivka (Bryhadyrenko 2005; Sumarokov 2005; Petrenko et al. 2011); Rayivka, 6.07.1987, 1 spec. (SIZK).
Donetsk Region: Donetsk Region (Viter 2018a); Donetsk (Martynov 2002; UkrBIN 2024); Kamiani Mohyly department of Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve (Martynov 2002; Martynov & Nikulina 2012); Khartsyzk (UkrBIN 2024); Donetskyi Kriazh Regional Landscape Park, Zuivskyi Regional Landscape Park and Kramatorskyi Regional Landscape Park (Zuiakov 2017); Khomutovskyi Steppe department of Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserve (Martynov 2002); Myrnograd, forest strip, 25.05.1986, 1 spec., P. Sheshurak (SIZK); Oleksandrivka (UkrBIN 2024); Sviati Gory National Nature Park (Nakonechna 2014; Zuiakov 2017).
Ivano-Frankivsk Region: Bolekhiv (Rizun et al. 2000; Zamoroka et al. 2017; Glotov & Zamoroka); Ivano-Frankivsk (Łomnicki 1886; Rizun et al. 2000; Zamoroka et al. 2017; Glotov & Zamoroka); Kolomyia (Rizun et al. 2000; Zamoroka et al. 2017; Glotov & Zamoroka); Kosiv department of Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park (Prorochuk 2009, 2013; Stefurak et al. 2013); Vyshniv (Zamoroka et al. 2017; Glotov & Zamoroka).
Kharkiv Region: Kharkiv Region (Viter 2018b); Chuguiv, Kharkiv, Pechenigy and Zmiiv districts (Terekhova 2013); Bezliudivka, Chuguiv, Gaidary, Khorosheve, Kochetok, Liubotyn, Udianka (UkrBIN 2024); Dvorichanskyi National Nature Park (Kletionkin 2017); Izium, 12.06.1970, 1 spec., A. Mishchenko (SIZK); ibidem, without date, 1 spec., A. Mishchenko (SIZK); Kharkiv (Krynicki 1832; Jakobson 1905; Kryzhanovskyi 1979; UkrBIN 2024); Krasnokutsk, 19.06.1999, 1 spec., I. Marysova (SIZK).
Kherson Region: Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve (Havrylenko et al. 2020); Kherson (Jakobson 1905); the lower Dnipro flood plains and Oleshky Sands (Boiko & Podgainyi 2002).
Kyiv Region: Kyiv Governorate, 1 spec. V. Artobolevskyi (ZIN); Brovary district, in the dung, 1.05.1989, 1 spec., L. Nadvornyi (SIZK); Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, 1 spec., V. Shuvalikov (SIZK); Dibrova (Kavurka et al. 2019); Khodosiivka, 23.06.1979, 2 spec. (SIZK); Kozhanka, 27.06.1922, 1 spec. (SIZK); Kyiv (Hochhuth 1873; Cherkunov 1889; Petrenko 1974; Kotenko et al. 2008); ibidem, without date, 4 spec., J. Hochhuth (SMNH); ibidem, 4 spec. (SIZK); Kyiv: Koncha-Zaspa (Kryshtal 1956); Kyiv: Lysa Gora tract (Petrenko 2005, Nazarenko & Petrenko 2003, 2008); ibidem, 13.06.1993, 1 spec., V. Yermolenko (SIZK); ibidem, without date, 1 spec. (SIZK); ibidem, without date, 2 spec., J. Sinilova (SIZK); ibidem, 1914, 1 spec. (SIZK); Nova Buda, on the tree-sap in the forest clearing, 20.05.1996, 3 spec., S. Baidak (SIZK); Vlasivka, 23.04.1989, 1 spec., V. Nazarenko (SIZK); Vyshenky vicinity and floodplain of the Irpin river (Nadvornyi 2005).
Luhansk Region: Alchevsk, 2000, 1 spec. (ZMLG); Bilovodsk, 1- 15.05.2001, 1 spec. (ZMLG); Diakove, 1– 23.05.2000 and 22.05.2005, 2 spec., S. Konovalov; Kindrashivska-Nova (UkrBIN 2024); Kindrashivskyi Reserve, 5.05.2013, 1 spec., S. Glotov (cGl); Lysychansk, 1– 15.05.2005, 1 spec., I. Severov (cSv); Muratove, 05.2009, 1 spec., I. Severov (cSv); Perevalsk, 1 spec., I. Severov (cSv); Platonivka, 06.2008, 1 spec., S. Konovalov (cKn); Provalskyi Steppe department of Luhansk Nature Reserve (Martynov 2002; Petrenko et al. 2003; Glotov 2007, 2011; Petrenko & Glotov 2008); ibidem, in cow dung and animal carcasses, 1– 12.05.2012, 8 spec., S. Glotov (cGl); Stanychno-Luhansk department of Luhansk Nature Reserve (Martynov 2002; Petrenko et al. 2003; Glotov 2007, 2011; Petrenko & Glotov 2008); Stanytsia Luhanska, on a wolf’s corpse, 28.04.2001, 1 spec., V. Foroshchuk (cFr); Striltsivskyi Steppe department of Luhansk Nature Reserve (Martynov 2002; Petrenko et al. 2003; Glotov 2007, 2011; Petrenko & Glotov 2008).
Lviv Region: Briukhovychi vicinity, 07.06.2005, tree felling, hand picking near tree stump, 13 spec., D. Khrapov (cKh); Lviv (Łomnicki 1890; Tsaryk et al. 2000; Rizun et al. 2000, 2003; Bashta et al. 2003); ibidem, 13.04.1918, 2 spec., S. Palchynskyi (SIZK); ibidem, 10.06.1932, 1 spec., V. Lazorko (SIZK); Lviv: Kryvchytsi (Lomnicki 1890; Rizun et al. 2000); Lviv: Sykhiv vicinity, 10.06.2002, hand picking, 1 spec. D. Khrapov (cKh); Lviv: Zamarstyniv (Rizun et al. 2000); Lviv: Znesinnia (Lomnicki 1890; Rizun et al. 2000); Pasiky-Zubrytski (Rizun et al. 2000); Pyly vicinity, 22.05.2006, hand picking, 2 spec., D. Khrapov (cKh); Roztochchia Nature Reserve (Rizun et al. 2010); Sambir (Nowicki 1858, 1864); W vicinity of Slovita (Demskyi 2018); Vybranivka (Bashta et al. 2013); Zvenygorod (Rizun 2000; Rizun et al. 2000).
Odesa Region: Berezivka (UkrBIN 2024); Lisky vicinity, Luzanivskyi Lis tract (UkrBIN 2024).
Poltava Region: Poltava (Rybalchenko 2021).
Sumy Region: Desniansko-Starohutskyi National Nature Park (UkrBIN 2024); Koliadynets, in cow dung on the pasture, 27.05.2016, 1 spec., V. Parkhomenko; Mohrytsia, in cow dung on the pasture, 16.05.2001, 1 spec., V. Parkhomenko; Ochkyne (Sheshurak et al. 2019); Ostriv tract, in cow dung on the pasture, 05.2004-2006, from 1 to 7 spec. annually, V. Parkhomenko; Sobych, in cow dung on the pasture, 05.2006-2008, from 1 to 3 spec. annually, V. Parkhomenko; Vyrivka, in cow dung on the pasture, 05.1994-1999, from 1 to 5 spec. annually, V. Parkhomenko.
Ternopil Region: Ternopil (Rybiński 1903).
Volyn Region: Pishcha (Bashta et al. 2016); Pishcha vicinity, Penky tract, tree felling, on the sap of a birch stump, 29.04.2019, 1 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, Voloky tract, in cow dung on the pasture, 26.05.1996, 1 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, 03.06.1996, 1 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, Zhyrnia tract, in cow dung, 11.05.2000, 2 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, 12.05.2000, 1 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, 01.05.2001, 4 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, 14.05.2002, 2 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); ibidem, 14.05.2005, 4 spec., O. Kravchenko (cKr); Shatskyi National Nature Park (Kravchenko 2001, 2014); Turiysk vicinity, in cow dung on the pasture, 30.06.2013, 3 spec., P. Voytko (cVt).
Zakarpattia Region: Kamianytsia (Mateleshko 2005, 2007, 2011); Turychky (Bogdanov 1985); Uzhgorod (Roubal 1930).
Zaporizhzhia Region: Atmanai vicinity, Syvashyk tract (Suryadna et al. 2017; Suchkov 2018); Khortytsia isl. (Moroz 2002; Mulenko & Karpenko 2012); Skelky tract (Krainyk et al. 2018); Velykyi Luh National Nature Park (Faly et al. 2011).
Zhytomyr Region: Cherniakhiv, Chudniv and Zhytomyr districts (Stadnychenko et al. 2002); Korostyshiv district, forest edge, in the dung, 17.09.1989, 1 spec., V. Zolotov (SIZK); Zhytomyr, 1 spec., G. Prochuda (SIZK).
Bionomy. Emus hirtus is a coprobiont, predatory species, closely associated with pastures. It inhabits mainly open and semi-open habitats with moderate pastoral pressure, primarily pasture meadows, as well as sparse forests, forest edges and glades used as pastures for cattle. It usually occurs on fresh cow and horse manure, much less frequently on animal cadavers and in places with leaking sap on injured trees (Nikitenko & Petrenko 1992). Adults are found throughout the year, but most records occur from late spring through early summer, and from late summer through early fall. Larvae and adults are predators with a wide trophic spectrum, which is based on coprophagous larvae and adults of Diptera and Coleoptera (Pototskaya 1967). The female lays one egg at a time in a specially prepared hole or simply on a substrate; the egg requires high temperature and humidity for successful development. Younger larvae are characterized by cannibalism, after which they move on to feeding on other insects that they can handle. The larva develops in manure for several weeks, and the timing of its development is highly dependent on humidity, temperature as well as on nutrition intensity. The amount of food ultimately determines the size of the imago body. Pupation takes place in the soil, and the pupae lie freely. At first, they are white and begin to darken only a few days before the adults emerge, which are already normally colored. The duration of the adult stage is the longest and lasts several months. Within the adult stage, winter diapause takes place (Psarev 2014).
Population dynamics of the species and reasons for its decline. The population dynamics of Emus hirtus in Ukraine has never been the subject of special studies. However, by analyzing the known literature, certain generalizations can be made. In particular, according to S. I. Medvedev’s observations, in the 1920s and 1930s, Emus hirtus was a very common species in the present Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve and its adjacent territories. The reduction of cattle abundance, both in the region as a whole and in the buffer zone of the reserve, has affected the number of representatives of the coprobiont entomofauna, and now the species is extremely rare in the reserve (Havrylenko et al. 2020). A similar situation is observed in the protected areas of the Luhansk and Donetsk Regions – in the Luhansk and Ukrainian Steppe Nature Reserves, where the species was regularly found and was quite common in the early 21st century (Martynov 2002; Petrenko et al. 2003).
Likely, a significant reduction in the abundance of cattle and the decline of pastures in the protected area of these reserves and in adjacent areas led to a sharp decline in the species’ population (Glotov 2007; Petrenko & Glotov 2008). According to the literature, the decline in the number of the species in recent decades may also be related to the intensive use of anthelmintic veterinary drugs, which in turn has a direct negative impact on coprophages and indirectly influences the predatory coprobiontes that feed on them (Biel et al. 2014).
Conservation recommendations. To protect the populations of Emus hirtus, as well as the rest of the coprobiontic and coprophilous beetles, it is recommended to increase the number of cattle in private farms, as well as to increase the area of pastures, together with the provision of regulated extensive pastoral load, which will ultimately have not only important nature conservation but also social value (Babenko 1980; Psarev 2014). At the same time, a detailed study of the current state of the species populations in Ukraine and their monitoring is needed.
description: Published as part of Glotov, Serhii, Geryak, Yurii, Kavurka, Vitalii, Petrenko, Andrii & Brusentsova, Nataliia, 2024, Rare And Endangered Rove Beetles Of Ukraine: Emus Hirtus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), pp. 91-104 in Zootaxa 5443 (1) on pages 96-99, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/10997126