CerambycidaeSpondylidinaeAseminiMegasemum

Megasemum

Eastern Megasemum
SpondylidinaeAsemini
W. Palearctic spp.
1
European spp.
1
Body length
15–30 mm
Activity
Diurnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
larva
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview

Megasemum

*Megasemum* [auct., verify] is a small genus of spondylidine longhorn beetles characteristic of boreal and montane conifer forests across the eastern Palaearctic region, from Siberia through northeastern China to Japan. Adults are dark, cylindrical beetles ranging from 15 to 30 mm, associated with dead or dying Pinaceae — principally *Picea*, *Abies*, and *Larix*. Largely nocturnal, adults are most active from May to August and are attracted to conifer bark volatiles and smoke, which betray their affinity for recently stressed or burned trees. Larvae develop slowly over two to four years, beginning beneath the bark before boring deep into the sapwood.

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

PiceaAbiesLarix
⚑ Conservation note: none

External resources

GBIF · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Under conifer bark or on trunks. Boreal species — northern/montane forests.