Anaglyptus mysticus
This record describes Anaglyptus mysticus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The length can be up to 13mm. This distinctive longhorn beetle has elytra with basal 1/3rd reddish/chestnut and the remaining 2/3rds black with 3 to 4 transverse pubescent bands. The thorax is grey/black. In the melanic variety hieroglyphicus the basal third of the elytra is black not red as in the standard form. In hedgeside vegetation and old log piles. The adults emerge around April having spent the winter in the pupal cell under bark. The larvae feed for two years in dead wood of various broad-leaved trees. The adults then visit flowers to feed, particularly favouring Hawthorn. This species is fairly frequent and widespread in England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Anaglyptus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In hedgeside vegetation and old log piles.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge around April having spent the winter in the pupal cell under bark.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed for two years in dead wood of various broad-leaved trees. The adults then visit flowers to feed, particularly favouring Hawthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly frequent and widespread in England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anaglyptus mysticus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anaglyptus mysticus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaglyptus mysticus
What is Anaglyptus mysticus?
Anaglyptus mysticus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anaglyptus mysticus?
can be up to 13mm. This distinctive longhorn beetle has elytra with basal 1/3rd reddish/chestnut and the remaining 2/3rds black with 3 to 4 transverse pubescent bands. The thorax is grey/black. In the melanic variety
Where is Anaglyptus mysticus found?
Habitat: In hedgeside vegetation and old log piles.
When is Anaglyptus mysticus active?
Anaglyptus mysticus: seasonal activity - The adults emerge around April having spent the winter in the pupal cell under bark..
What is the life cycle of a Anaglyptus mysticus?
The larvae feed for two years in dead wood of various broad-leaved trees. The adults then visit flowers to feed, particularly favouring Hawthorn.