COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > CHRYSOMELOIDEA > Cerambycidae

Although variable in both size and appearance, the members of this family are typically large and attractive beetles, often with striking patterns, and with long antennae, which makes them one of the most popular groups with coleopterists, as well as general naturalists who get pleasure from finding and recording interesting insects. They are good photographic subjects and, in most cases, are reasonably straightforward to identify.

They're primarily found in wooded areas, mainly deciduous or mixed woodland, but with some strongly associated with coniferous forests. The larvae are wood borers that feed on rotting or fallen timber. The adults of many species may be seen on blossom and flowers, such as hawthorn, bramble and umbellifers, but they are mainly short-lived species that will only be seen in spring or early summer. There are two grassland species whose larvae develop in the stems of umbellifers, Agapanthia villosoviridescens in hogweed, and Phytoecia cylindrica in cow-parsley and wild carrot.

In total, there are around 70 species on the British List that are separated into five subfamilies; Cerambycinae (20), Laminae (17), Lepturinae (25), Prioninae (1) and Spondylidinae (5). Although quite a few species are widespread and regarded as common, or at least frequent, in many areas, others are localised and/or nationally scarce. I believe there are also a few that are probably extinct.

Having taken a good look at the records on the NBN Atlas and doing a bit of additional research, I'm of the opinion that unless you're specifically targeting these beetles, you'd be doing well to record more than ten species in most areas. However, being a little a bit more ambitious, I've set a personal target of 10-15 species from Dorset (VC9). As of this update, I'm currently on 11, but what surprised me is that I've only photographed two of those species in South Hampshire (VC11) of which none were from the New Forest. That's crazy as it's one of the best areas in the country for longhorns. I have a feeling it's because I tend to avoid the forest during the warmer months of the year as it gets busy but, having now realised that a few scarcer species may be found there, I will definitely plan a few visits. Including the New Forest, I'd like to think that in time I could possibly reach 15-20 species.

To allow space for photos, I've added another page, which will be reserved for the lepturine flower longhorns. The other subfamilies and species I've photographed are featured on this page.

Cerambycinae - 20 species but, apart from Clytus arietis (Wasp Beetle) as featured below, I wouldn't expect to find any of these 'typical longhorns' locally in East Dorset. However there are two species that I could possibly find in the New Forest; Aromia moschata (Musk Beetle), which is a large metallic green species that can be found in some wet areas of the forest from May to September; and Anaglyptus mysticus (Rufous-shouldered Longhorn), a small to medium-sized dark species with beautiful markings on the wing cases, which is associated with compact deadwood and has been found in quite a few locations. Both will take a bit of finding, but they would be very nice beetles to add to my list.

Lamiinae - a diverse group of 17 species characterised by having a large and flat head, which is partially retracted into the prothorax. They are generally bulkier than the lepturine species and most have noticeably longer antennae. I've seen three; Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Golden-bloomed Longhorn), Pogonocherius hispidulus (Greater Thorn-tipped Longhorn) and the 'nationally scarce' Phytoecia cylindrica (Umbellifer Longhorn).

I think there are only two other species from this subfamily that I could realistically try to find; Pogonocherus hispidus (Lesser Thorn-tipped), the slightly smaller and differently marked close relative of the individual featured below; and Tetrops praeustus (Plum Longhorn), which is a pretty small, 3-6mm, woodland beetle that is frequently recorded in the New Forest. For completeness, I should also mention Leiopus nebulosus (Black-clouded Longhorn) - recorded as Leiopus linnei/neulosus - which was previously regarded as widespread and common, but now rarely recorded.

Prioninae - this subfamily includes a single, 'nationally scarce', southern species, Prionus coriarus (Tanner Beetle), which is a large, robust and distinctive longhorn that is only found in a few areas. It's unlikely that I would come across this species in Dorset, but it has been recorded quite a few times in the New Forest, and is definitely one I'd like to photograph.

Spondylidinae - 5 species that, as far as I'm aware, are all associated with coniferous woodland. I haven't seen any of these specialist beetles as yet, but I believe that two could be found in a few locations in the New Forest; Arhopalpus rusticus (Dusky Longhorn), which a largish, dark brown species; and Asemum striatum (Pine-stump Borer), which is rather similar in some ways, but is unusual in that it has relatively short antennae.

So, in conclusion, although I've only currently managed to photograph four species from this list, I'm glad that I've been able to identify a further seven or eight that could possibly be found locally.  All in all, it was a very useful exercise, especially as it made me appreciate the value of spending a bit more time investigating some new locations in the New Forest.

Continued on the next page ....

Updated, Jan.25 (v.4)