Grammoptera ruficornis A Longhorn Beetle

Grammoptera ruficornis A Small Longhorn Beetle

Length

Length of around 10 mm,
Description

One of the smallest longhorn beetles this species is brownish or dark grey with silky hairs on the wing cases, giving it a sheen. It has long antennae, where the 2nd segment is elongate - a feature which distinguishes it from the other two Grammoptera species found in Britain. All 3 have bulbous femora (top segment of the leg). Its front legs are orange and the antennae are banded with red and black.

Habitat

Usually found in wooded areas in early summer this beetle is especially fond of Hawthorn (Crataegusspp) and Hogweed (Heracleum spp) flowers. The larvae feed on the wood of dead twigs.

National Distribution Please Allow Time to Load .

VC 63 Distribution  Please Allow Time to Load

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