Monday 1 July 2013

Longhorn Beetle.

During a recent visit to Lakenheath, Suffolk (click this link for the post on 'The Early Birder' blog) I came across this interesting Longhorn Beetle.
Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens)

A large (up to 20mm long) and very distinctive longhorn beetle with the golden iridescent bloom on the elytra and thorax plus the long antennae with dark and light bands.  It is a stem borer that breeds in the stems of thistles and other herbaceous plants.


Habitat:  Mainly found in moist meadows and hedgerows. Adults feed on umbellifers such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley as well as on nettles.
UK Status:  This beetle is fairly common in the south and east of England.

Linking to Macro Monday 2 and Nature Notes.


22 comments:

  1. That is so cool!! Certainly lives up to its name!!

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  2. Replies
    1. Laura. I appreciate your visit and kind comment. Welcome and thanks for joining 'FABirding'.

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  3. Have never seen one, but I love those striped long horns!!

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    1. Hi Jeanne. Nor had I until this one appeared. Thanks for your visit.

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  4. Great shots of this handsome fellow!

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  5. Hello Frank!
    Thanks for your comment and showing this lonhorn beetle.
    It one of my favorites!
    Lovely pics!
    I haven't seen it this season although I always check the nettles since I often find them on those leaves.
    Here are photos I took in 2011:
    L'Agapanthie
    I hope the link works!!
    Cheers have a great day!

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    1. Thank you Noushka.

      The link didn't work correctly but I found your lovely images by searching for 'Agapanthia'.

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  6. Great shots of the beetle and an interesting post.

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  7. Cool Frank! Quite handsome for a bug!

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    1. Thanks Karen. It sure has good dress sense.

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  8. Cool looking beetle, Frank! Awesome shots!

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  9. Great close ups, Frank! Those are some super long antennas it has! very interesting!

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  10. Isn't he just gorgeous! Great shots.

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  11. I was concerned when I could've access either of your blogs.... Glad to see you... I love learning about insects... Michelle

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  12. Lovely shots of this Longhorn!

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  13. Very interesting , I saw one yesterday but it was in the North East of England ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/25459770@N03/14459012654/ here is the link ...

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I appreciate your comments.