What is osmoderma eremita?

Osmoderma eremita, also known as the Hermit beetle, is a species of scarab beetle that is found in Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. They are blackish-brown in color, with a distinct velvety texture on their thorax and elytra (wing covers).

Osmoderma eremita is a rare and endangered species, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They typically inhabit old-growth deciduous forests and are dependent on hollow or dead wood for breeding and shelter. As a result, conservation efforts have focused on preserving and creating suitable habitats for this species, such as leaving dead wood in forests and creating artificial breeding sites.

The Hermit beetle plays an important ecological role in the forest ecosystem, as they are responsible for pollinating some plant species and recycling decaying wood. They are also considered an indicator species of the health and diversity of forest ecosystems.