| Another of
the longhorn beetles, Arhopalus rusticus is the largest species (around
25mm long) we have come across to date. There have been
several Eakring records of this mahogany coloured beetle,
all involving adults which came to the light of an MV
moth trap at Lound Wood. The larva live in both standing
and fallen trunks/stumps of conifers and take up to 2
years to become fully grown. Arhopalus rusticus
is
largely nocturnal and often hides under bark by day, but
is most often seen when attracted to light after dark.
Originally a Scottish species, this beetle has spread
widely with the widescale use of conifer plantations
across England in recent years. |
