Longhorn beetle

Longhorn beetle

We are delighted that Lasse Hubweber has taken over the sponsorship of the longhorned beetle (Sternotomis pulchra).

The markings of this medium-sized longhorned beetle species, which lives in the West African rainforest, are truly magnificent. Not counting the long antennae, which are reminiscent of the horns of ibexes due to their structure and posture, the adult beetles grow to a size of 2 - 2.5 cm. Males and females can be distinguished by their body length: The females are slightly shorter and their antennae are often not quite as long as those of the males.

Not only the larvae but also the adults mine in tree trunks. With their large, strong mandibles, they drill tunnels into the wood in which they lay their eggs. After hatching, the larvae feed on the wood of the host tree, where they remain until they pupate. Immediately after hatching, the adult beetles set off in search of sexual partners to start the cycle again.