Psilotarsus

Psilotarsus

*Psilotarsus* Motschulsky, 1860 is a small but robust genus of Prioninae, represented by four Palaearctic species, of which a single species reaches Europe. Adults are large (18–55 mm), massively built yet somewhat depressed, dark brown to blackish and shiny, with only sparse pubescence. The pronotum bears three strong lateral teeth — a striking feature shared with several other prionine lineages. Larvae develop over 2–5 years in the roots of dead or dying steppe shrubs, and adults are exclusively nocturnal fliers, active from June to September.

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Summer–Autumn

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: oak beech

External resources

GBIF · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Nocturnal, often large; attracted to light (UV lamp). Steppe/dry habitat.