Callidium

Callidium

*Callidium* is a genus of medium-sized longhorn beetles immediately recognisable by the striking metallic violet-blue livery of its best-known species, *C. violaceum* — the Violet Longhorn. Adults are active in spring (April–July) and are strongly associated with conifers, developing as larvae beneath the bark of dead or dying *Pinus*, *Picea*, and *Abies*. Before pupating, the larva bores a characteristic hooked pupal chamber into the sapwood. The genus has an unfortunate habit of completing development in felled timber and firewood, occasionally emerging indoors from structural timber or seasoned logs brought into the home.

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Spring–Summer

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: pine

External resources

GBIF · Wikidata · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: C. violaceum — metallic blue-violet! Under conifer bark, in firewood. Spring species (Apr–Jul).