Tags
#365DaysWild, British beetles, Longhorn beetles, Rutpela maculata, Slade Wood, Spotted longhorn beetle
I thought I’d found a new variety of longhorn beetle when I spotted these creatures at Slade Wood on Monday but no. It turns out the yellow-and-black markings of Spotted longhorn beetles (Rutpela maculata) are quite changeable and these were just variations on a theme.
As their larvae inhabit rotten wood, the adult beetles can usually be found near woody areas, on hedgerows and along woodland rides, where they enjoy nectaring on umbellifer flowers.
I’ve just been reading that the adults only live for a few weeks between May and August so eyes peeled – you haven’t got long to spot these little stunners.
What a delight. Super looking creatures.
I just took delivery of “Britain’s Hoverflies a field guide” – by heck, I am so confused now, it will take me ages to sort my head out!
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That’s the Stuart Ball & Roger Morris guide, I presume? I also have it, and actually find it one of the easier field guides to negotiate my way around. At least the images are big and clear.
Just take it one hoverfly at a time … and breathe … 🙂
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Yes, that’s the one. I shall try to concentrate on one each day – possibly…
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