Purpuricenus

Purpuricenus

*Purpuricenus* Dejean, 1821 belongs among the most visually striking longhorn beetles of the western Palaearctic, its vivid red-and-black coloration rendering it unmistakable in the field. The genus comprises 25 Palaearctic species, of which 5 occur in Europe, inhabiting warm oak woodlands, forest-steppe, and old orchards from sea level to around 1200 m. Adults are diurnal and strongly attracted to flowers and freshly cut wood, flying from May to August. Larvae develop subcortically and into the sapwood of broadleaved hosts, chiefly *Quercus*, with a generation lasting one to two years.

Seasonal activity

Flight season: Summer

Green = active months · Orange = peak

Host plants

Primary hosts: oak broadleaf

External resources

GBIF · Wikidata · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Beautiful red-black! On oaks in warm areas (May–Aug). P. kaehleri commonest. On flowers and freshly cut wood.