Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn
Agapanthia villosoviridescens
This record describes Agapanthia villosoviridescens (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large and very distinctive longhorn beetle with a golden iridescent bloom on the elytra and thorax. The antennae are also very distinctive with dark and light bands. The elytra are somewhat bristly with hairs. Length up to 20mm. Mainly found in moist meadows and hedgerows. Adults feed on umbellifers such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley as well as on nettles. Peaking in May and June, rarely around to August. A stem borer that breeds in the stems of thistles and other herbaceous plants. This beetle is fairly common in the south and east of England.
Wikipedia reference for Agapanthia villosoviridescens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agapanthia_villosoviridescens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Agapanthia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly found in moist meadows and hedgerows. Adults feed on umbellifers such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley as well as on nettles.
Seasonal Activity
Peaking in May and June, rarely around to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A stem borer that breeds in the stems of thistles and other herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This beetle is fairly common in the south and east of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agapanthia villosoviridescens. 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 Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn
What is Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn?
Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn (Agapanthia villosoviridescens) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn?
up to 20mm.
Where is Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn found?
Habitat: Mainly found in moist meadows and hedgerows. Adults feed on umbellifers such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley as well as on nettles.
When is Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn active?
Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn: seasonal activity - Peaking in May and June, rarely around to August..
What is the life cycle of a Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn?
A stem borer that breeds in the stems of thistles and other herbaceous plants.