Field observations of predation by the ural owl Strix uralensis upon the Japanese horned beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus septentrionalis

Abstract

Generally, it has been considered that the Ural Owl Strix uralensis feeds mainly on small birds, amphibians and small mammals such as voles, and only rarely on insects. However, we found that the Ural Owl often preys upon the Japanese horned beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus septentrionalis, which has never before been reported as an insect prey species for the Ural Owl. We here demonstrate that Ural Owls at the present study site frequently prey upon Japanese horned beetles for a limited period during summer. Details of the predatory behavior of Ural Owls upon beetles are also given. © Yamashina Institute for Ornithology.