Lime Beetle
Stenostola dubia
This record describes Stenostola dubia (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This longhorn measures about 15mm in length. It is uniformly grey-black in colour, sometimes slightly bronzy and with punctured elytra. Good photographs required. This species is rare in our area so it is best to retain a specimen until identification is confirmed. The typical habitat is open mixed woodland and parkland where the hosts, which include a range of deciduous trees but more especially lime, are present in various stages of growth and decay. Adults occur from May until July, they are active in warm weather and may be observed feeding on host foliage or, more rarely, various flowers in bright sun. Life cycle: 1 - 2 years. The S. dubia larvae develop in dead thicker twigs, branches and slender stems (up to 20 cm in diameter) of deciduous trees (Tilia cordata is a preferred host, but often can be found in other deciduous trees). Very local across England north to the Scottish border and with a few widely scattered records from Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Stenostola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The typical habitat is open mixed woodland and parkland where the hosts, which include a range of deciduous trees but more especially lime, are present in various stages of growth and decay.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur from May until July, they are active in warm weather and may be observed feeding on host foliage or, more rarely, various flowers in bright sun.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Life cycle: 1 - 2 years. The S. dubia larvae develop in dead thicker twigs, branches and slender stems (up to 20 cm in diameter) of deciduous trees (Tilia cordata is a preferred host, but often can be found in other deciduous trees).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very local across England north to the Scottish border and with a few widely scattered records from Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stenostola dubia. 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 Lime Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lime Beetle
What is Lime Beetle?
Lime Beetle (Stenostola dubia) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lime Beetle found?
Habitat: The typical habitat is open mixed woodland and parkland where the hosts, which include a range of deciduous trees but more especially lime, are present in various stages of growth and decay.
When is Lime Beetle active?
Lime Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults occur from May until July, they are active in warm weather and may be observed feeding on host foliage or, more rarely, various flowers in bright sun..
What is the life cycle of a Lime Beetle?
Life cycle: 1 - 2 years. The S. dubia larvae develop in dead thicker twigs, branches and slender stems (up to 20 cm in diameter) of deciduous trees (Tilia cordata is a preferred host, but often can be found in other deciduous trees).