The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => Wildlife in the garden (birds, butterflies, and how to attract them) => Topic started by: JTh on May 06, 2015, 09:22:59 AM

Title: Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper (s. M. funereus)
Post by: JTh on May 06, 2015, 09:22:59 AM

I have never seen such a big beetle before, it was nearly 4 cm long, with antennas as long as the body. It turned up on our terrace while we were enjoying our breakfast, which is surprising, since it supposedly is a night-active beetle; maybe it had had a late night. It is a protected species, listed in EU’s Habitats Directive, so I’m glad to see we have enough forests and rotten wood around here to support it.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7680/17330683356_6f0bee5ef9_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/spshns)
P5020795 Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper/funereus.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/spshns) by JorunT (https://www.flickr.com/people/46063510@N03/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7765/17354753472_e64e4af9b0_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/srzDzs)
P5020804 P5020795 Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper/funereus.jpg.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/srzDzs) by JorunT (https://www.flickr.com/people/46063510@N03/), on Flickr

According to this source: http://lifemipp.eu/mipp/new/card.jsp;jsessionid=FB3DD549B0320626AC17BE3E8106EF00?id=5, the taxonomy of the genus Morimus has recently been redefined. Until recently it was thought to consists of five species, one of them was Morimus funereus. A new genetic study showed that all members of this genus probably belong to one, morphologically and genetically variable species, named Morimus asper.

Title: Re: Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper (s. M. funereus)
Post by: Umbrian on May 07, 2015, 07:20:29 AM

Wonderful second 'photo Jorun - so often you do not really see the face of insects and they have such character.
An aside - when sitting outside early the other morning a baby squirrel came exploring-he did not notice me and I enjoyed watching him scamper about. I think we have a family living in the garden judging from the number of Cyprus cones I find half eaten.

Title: Re: Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper (s. M. funereus)
Post by: Hilary on May 08, 2015, 06:59:17 AM

What a beauty and you had your camera at the ready.
Great

Title: Re: Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper (s. M. funereus)
Post by: JTh on May 09, 2015, 10:41:42 AM

Thank you, Carole and Hillary. The beetle must like it here, it was back for breakfast again yesterday morning. My camera is never far away.

Title: Re: Long-horned beetle - Morimus asper (s. M. funereus)
Post by: Alisdair on August 03, 2015, 08:37:32 AM

Somehow I missed seeing these two wonderful photos back in May - what a character, Jorun!