Microlestes minutulus

*Microlestes minutulus* (Goeze, 1777)
A formerly rare Carabid known from the UK only since 1975 and traditionally restricted to south-eastern counties, but now gradually increasing inland and reaching Nottinghamshire a number of years ago. There are at least three Nottinghamshire records, coming from Bentinck Banks in April 2019 (Wilson, R.I.), near Huthwaite in June 2019 (Wilson, R.I.) and Kirkby-in-Ashield in May 2025 (Brownley, N. and Brownley, S.). Microlestes minutulus identification is difficult as the visually similar Microlestes maurus (Goeze, 1777) is also known from Nottinghamshire (Dutton, A. 2014).
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'In the pot' photograph of Microlestes minutulus photographed by Nick and Samantha Brownley, showing the more parallel-sided nature of the elytra in this species.

The records for the Nottinghamshire distribution map are currently provided by the following contributors - Nick and Samantha Brownley.

You can contribute your own records to help us gain an accurate status of this species in Nottinghamshire. Send an Excel spreadsheet of your records via the 'contact us' link at the top of the homepage.

Updated May 2025