Longicorn beetles, also known as longhorn beetles, belong to the family Cerambycidae.
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Prioninae of the World I.
Cerambycidae of the Western Paleartic I.
They are characterized by their extremely long antennae, which are often as long as or longer than their bodies. This family includes over 35,000 described species worldwide, found on all continents except Antarctica.
Longicorn Beetle
Key features of longicorn beetles:
Antennae: Typically very long, sometimes twice the length of the body.
Size: Range from about 3 mm to over 16 cm in length, with some species like the titan beetle (Titanus giganteus) being among the largest insects.
Body shape: Usually elongate and flattened, though some are more rounded.
Larvae: Known as roundheaded borers, they are cream to white, legless or with reduced legs, and bore into wood of living, dead, or dying trees and shrubs.
Diet: Adults often feed on pollen, leaves, or bark, while larvae feed on wood, sometimes causing serious damage to trees and wooden structures.
Mimicry: Some species mimic ants, bees, or wasps for protection.
Habitat: Found worldwide, most numerous in tropical regions.
Ecological and economic importance:
Many longhorn beetle larvae bore into hardwood trees and can be serious pests of timber, pulpwood, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. Their wood-boring habits can damage living trees and untreated lumber, sometimes affecting buildings and furniture.
In summary, longicorn beetles are a diverse and widespread family of beetles notable for their long antennae and wood-boring larvae, with some species having significant ecological and economic impacts.
