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.


Posted by FAB at 22:30
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22 comments:

  1. Kerri Farley1 July 2013 at 23:42

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

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  2. Laura2 July 2013 at 00:55

    excellent macros!

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    Replies
    1. FAB2 July 2013 at 01:05

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

      Delete
  3. Jeannie Marie2 July 2013 at 01:08

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

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    1. FAB2 July 2013 at 11:52

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

      Delete
  4. Unknown2 July 2013 at 07:32

    Great shots of this handsome fellow!

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  5. Noushka2 July 2013 at 09:53

    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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    Replies
    1. FAB2 July 2013 at 11:56

      Thank you Noushka.

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

      Delete
  6. Carver2 July 2013 at 12:45

    Great shots of the beetle and an interesting post.

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  7. Karen2 July 2013 at 16:02

    Cool Frank! Quite handsome for a bug!

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    Replies
    1. FAB2 July 2013 at 18:37

      Thanks Karen. It sure has good dress sense.

      Delete
  8. eileeninmd2 July 2013 at 22:33

    Cool looking beetle, Frank! Awesome shots!

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  9. Tammy3 July 2013 at 01:10

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

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  10. betty-NZ4 July 2013 at 02:39

    Isn't he just gorgeous! Great shots.

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  11. Rambling Woods6 July 2013 at 02:24

    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. Breathtaking6 July 2013 at 07:05

    Lovely shots of this Longhorn!

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  13. Unknown19 June 2014 at 18:55

    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.

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