This beautiful beetle was snapped by Reserves Manager Steve a few weeks ago.

Although it has no common name it is in the beetle family known as ‘longhorns’, due to the long antennae it sports. Its Latin name is Strangalia quadrifasciata: almost as long as its “horns”.

These beetles are typical of woodlands like those at the Falls of Clyde. The larvae are wood borers, so an abundance of old trunks, stumps and logs is a must. Their particular favourites are oak and alder. The wood itself is the food source, unlike many other wood borers which feast on the fungi found in dead and decaying wood.

They are often spotted on flowers, where there long dark bodies (up to 2 cm long) with large brown bands, are easily seen.

Bye for now,

Rhian (Seasonal Ranger)