Arhopalus rusticus
Arhopalus rusticus is a rather big Longhorn Beetle, measuring up to 30 mm. The colour of the shields is variable and may
be any shade of brown, from ochrous to almost black. Compared to many other Longhorn Beetles the antennae are short, but robust. Adult beetles are seen from May to the beginning of September. The females deposit their eggs in the bark of trees. The larvae eat their way inside. They never go up hihgh into the tree, but always remain close to the ground. They can be encountered in the roots of a tree as well. It takes them two years to become full grown. Pupation is remarkably fast: only two or three weeks are needed to produce the adult beetle.
Arhopalus rusticus is quite common in Southern Britain and in Scotland, but scarce in Wales and not present in Ireland.
