Rhagium mordax

Schwarzfleckiger Zangenbock ( Rhagium mordax )

The Schwarzfleckige Zangenbock ( Rhagium mordax ) is a beetle of the family of longhorn beetles ( Cerambycidae ). The species is also known as Snappy Zangenbock, Hardwood Zangenbock or shot Zangenbock.

Features

The beetles reach a body length of 13-22 millimeters. The wing covers ( elytra ) are dark and carry two bright, reddish yellow transverse bands. The top of the animals is marked with a bright Toment. In almost all individuals located laterally on the deck wings behind the front transverse fascia a tomentloser spot. The antennae are short and range just above the base of the wing covers also. The temples are at least as long as the compound eyes. The species differs from Oak Zangenbock ( Rhagium sycophanta ) by its characteristic bulge between the shoulder and the tag ( scutellum ), which lacks the Schwarzfleckigen Zangenbock. Also absent in the similar nature of the bald spot behind the front transverse fascia.

Occurrence and habitat

The species is widespread in Europe and Asia. It occurs in Europe up to the far north and also in the British Isles. The beetles live in forests from the lowlands to the mountains. In southern Europe, you will find the kind up to the Mediterranean coast, where they settled there higher altitudes.

Way of life

The beetles occur from May to August. They can be found on sunny days, especially on stumps and on the flowers of umbelliferous plants. The larvae develop into trunks and stumps of various deciduous trees, such as oaks (Quercus ), beech (Fagus ), birch (Betula ) and linden (Tilia ). Rarely, softwood is populated. Pupation takes place in a doll cradle under the bark. The adults emerge in the autumn, but winter still in the doll cradle. You need two, at higher altitudes three years for their development.

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