Cerambyx

Cerambyx

*Cerambyx* Linnaeus, 1758 is among the most imposing longhorn beetles of the Western Palaearctic, with the type species *C. cerdo* — the Great Capricorn Beetle — reaching 55 mm and commanding immediate recognition by its massive build and extraordinarily long antennae. The genus is strongly associated with veteran oaks, whose heartwood supports larvae for three to five years before adults emerge through oval exit holes some 10 mm across. Adults are nocturnal, most active from dusk onward during June and July, when males fly around canopies and stridulate audibly. *Cerambyx cerdo* is protected under Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, reflecting severe declines linked to the loss of…

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Summer

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: oak beech broadleaf

External resources

GBIF · Wikidata · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Nocturnal. Look for adults on old oaks at dusk (Jun–Jul). Males fly around canopy and stridulate. Exit holes oval.