Ergates

Ergates

*Ergates* Audinet-Serville, 1832 is the largest cerambycid beetle of Europe, with adults reaching 25–60 mm and a massive, dark brown, rough-sculptured body that is unmistakable among Prioninae. A nocturnal species of mature pine forests, it flies from July to September and is strongly attracted to UV light. Larvae develop over 3–4 years deep in the dead heartwood of large *Pinus* stumps and downed trunks, requiring wood of sufficient age and moisture. Declining across its range due to loss of old-growth and unmanaged pine stands, it serves as a valuable indicator of structurally complex, mature conifer forests.

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Summer–Autumn

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: pine

External resources

GBIF · Wikidata · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Největší evropský kozlíček! (do 60 mm). Noční, v starých borech Středomoří. Létá ke světlu.