CerambycidaePrioninaeErgatiniCallergates

Callergates

Eastern Ergates
PrioninaeErgatini
W. Palearctic spp.
1
European spp.
1
Body length
40–70 mm
Activity
Nocturnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
larva
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview

Callergates

*Callergates* [auct., verify] is a monotypic genus of large, nocturnal prionine longhorn beetles confined to the eastern Mediterranean basin. The single species, *C. gaillardoti*, is among the most impressive cerambycids of the West Palaearctic region, with adults reaching 25–55 mm in length. Larvae develop for two to five years deep within the heartwood of old *Pinus* trees, while adults emerge in summer and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light. The genus is near-threatened and associated with mature, often declining pine forests from the Aegean islands eastward through the Levant and Turkey.

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Summer–Autumn

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: pine

Pinus
⚑ Conservation note: none

External resources

GBIF · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Nocturnal, often large; attracted to light (UV lamp). Hosts: Pinus (old Mediterranean pines). Mediterranean species. Monotypic genus — rare.