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Longhorn beetle
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Longhorn beetle

by Hans Van Rafelghem

Category: Macro/Close-upAdded January 23, 20051,331 views

Arthropods

Keywords: beetle, macro, insect

Leptura rubra is a longhorn beetle found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia as far as Siberia and northern Mongolia. It is far more common in hills and mountains than in the lowlands. Its body can reach a length of 10-19 mm. The wing covers of the males are yellowish-brown, whereas those of the female are orange/red. The upper parts of the legs are black, while the lower parts have the same colour as the wing covers. The torax is black in males, and orange/red in females.
The larvae of this Leptura rubra live in dead wood of pine and fir trees, eating long tunnels through the wood for several years. The adult beetles are usually found on umbelliferous flowers; they feed on various flower parts. They are good fliers and can produce a grating sound.
Image Reference: 040724_143054_2392bImage Format: Digital Capture - 5 to 7MPImage Crop: Greater than 75% of originalDigital Enhancement: NoneModel Release: NAProperty Release: NACaptive: No