Stictoleptura rubra
This record describes Stictoleptura rubra (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sometimes known as the Red Longhorn Beetle from the colour of the female. Length up to 19 mm. The species is striking to look at the female being uniformly red-brown in colour; males having pale ochre coloured elytra and black head and thorax. Juveniles often found on various pines, firs and larches. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The adults appear at the height of the summer. The larvae develop in old dead wood and tree stumps, mainly in coniferous forests. Uncommon and with a southerly distribution in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Stictoleptura rubra: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stictoleptura_rubra.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cerambycidae
- Genus
- Stictoleptura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Juveniles often found on various pines, firs and larches. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Seasonal Activity
The adults appear at the height of the summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in old dead wood and tree stumps, mainly in coniferous forests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon and with a southerly distribution in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stictoleptura rubra. 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 Stictoleptura rubra (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stictoleptura rubra
What is Stictoleptura rubra?
Stictoleptura rubra is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stictoleptura rubra?
up to 19 mm. The species is striking to look at the female being uniformly red-brown in colour; males having pale ochre coloured elytra and black head and thorax.
Where is Stictoleptura rubra found?
Habitat: Juveniles often found on various pines, firs and larches. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
When is Stictoleptura rubra active?
Stictoleptura rubra: seasonal activity - The adults appear at the height of the summer..
What is the life cycle of a Stictoleptura rubra?
The larvae develop in old dead wood and tree stumps, mainly in coniferous forests.