Two-banded Longhorn Beetle
Rhagium bifasciatum
This record describes Rhagium bifasciatum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large species of longhorn beetle that may reach 22 millimetres long and can be distinguished by the two prominent pale yellow bands on each elytron. The adults are commonly found on tree trunks, often in woodland and occasionally on low vegetation. March to July with peak time April to June. Like other longhorn beetles, R. bifasciatum lays its eggs in dead wood, often using coniferous trees, where they bore deep, broad tunnels until they are ready to pupate after about two years. Widespread but local in most of Britain.
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 adults are commonly found on tree trunks, often in woodland and occasionally on low vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
March to July with peak time April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like other longhorn beetles, R. bifasciatum lays its eggs in dead wood, often using coniferous trees, where they bore deep, broad tunnels until they are ready to pupate after about two years.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in most of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhagium bifasciatum. 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 Two-banded Longhorn Beetle (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Two-banded Longhorn Beetle
What is Two-banded Longhorn Beetle?
Two-banded Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium bifasciatum) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Two-banded Longhorn Beetle found?
Habitat: The adults are commonly found on tree trunks, often in woodland and occasionally on low vegetation.
When is Two-banded Longhorn Beetle active?
Two-banded Longhorn Beetle: seasonal activity - March to July with peak time April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Two-banded Longhorn Beetle?
Like other longhorn beetles, R. bifasciatum lays its eggs in dead wood, often using coniferous trees, where they bore deep, broad tunnels until they are ready to pupate after about two years.