Rhagium mordax
This record describes Rhagium mordax (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a yellow beetle with brown and black mottling and two eye-like spots on its wing-cases. For a 'long-horn' beetle, it has relatively short antennae. The adult favours open-structured flowers, particularly Hawthorn and umbellifers where it feeds on nectar and pollen. Can be found in woods and hedgerows in most parts of Britain and is most often seen around flowers or in hedgerows in country areas. The larvae are found in the very rotten wood of most species of broad-leaved trees, especially just under the bark.
Wikipedia reference for Rhagium mordax: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagium_mordax.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Rhagium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adult favours open-structured flowers, particularly Hawthorn and umbellifers where it feeds on nectar and pollen. Can be found in woods and hedgerows in most parts of Britain and is most often seen around flowers or in hedgerows in country areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are seen between May and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are found in the very rotten wood of most species of broad-leaved trees, especially just under the bark.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagium mordax. 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 Rhagium mordax (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagium mordax
What is Rhagium mordax?
Rhagium mordax is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Rhagium mordax found?
Habitat: The adult favours open-structured flowers, particularly Hawthorn and umbellifers where it feeds on nectar and pollen. Can be found in woods and hedgerows in most parts of Britain and is most often seen around flowers or in hedgerows in country areas.
When is Rhagium mordax active?
Rhagium mordax: seasonal activity - Adults are seen between May and July..
What is the life cycle of a Rhagium mordax?
The larvae are found in the very rotten wood of most species of broad-leaved trees, especially just under the bark.