CERAMBYCIDAE: Longicorn or Long-Horned Beetles

Members of this family are known as long horned or longicorn beetles due to the long antennae possessed by most adults. Most have antennae at least two thirds as long as their bodies, while some species have antennae much longer. Longicorn beetles range in size from about 3 to 80 millimetres in length and usually appear elongate and flattened, although some may be more rounded. Adults have prominent mandibles and kidney shaped eyes, which partly surround the base of the antennae. Many adult longicorn beetles are known to feed on pollen while others may eat leaves or bark.

Almost all longicorn larvae appear grub-like and are cream to white in colour, long and thin and usually legless. All are borers in wood of trees and shrubs, feeding on the soft tissue of living, dead or dying plants.

Piesarthrus marginellus

Piesarthrus marginellus can often be found resting on the tips of twigs in the upper branches of trees in early summer. The males of this species have very distinctive antennae.

Hesthesis cingulata

Hesthesis cingulata is a distinctive longicorn due to its wasp-like appearance. It is thought that the colouring and shape of Hesthesis cingulata may provide it with extra protection against potential predators.

For more longicorn beetle species visit the Australian Insect Common Names - website.