Larvae of Longicorn Beetles feed on dead timber, and some species ring bark branches to provide food for their young. Longicorn Beetles belong to the Cerambycidae Family, which all have long antennae usually divided into 11 segments. Under the shell are wings, and the adults are active fliers. They have strong, visible jaws, which they use to chew on flowers.

Longicorn Beetles lay their eggs in cracks of bark or under bark. Most Longicorn Beetle larva are wood borers. Usually they infest dying trees or logs. Some species tunnel deep into the heartwood and some bore largely under the bark.

They pupate inside the wood. When they hatch as adults, they cut emergence holes through the bark.

The Longicorn Beetle shown here is in the Cerambycinae sub-family, and is most likely the Arhopalus syriacus species, but there are also Psilopmorpha species in that sub-family which are known to have metallic hues as seen here. One of the Beetles would have to be captured and sent to the Museum to confirm which species this is.

This example was found at the Cottage at Manna Park, shown on a fly-screen after it was attracted to an outside light. Click on the picture to download a higher resolution image (T. Hastings 19/9/2009).