Spondylis

Short-horned Pine Borer
SpondylidinaeSpondylidini
W. Palearctic spp.
1
European spp.
1
Body length
12–22 mm
Activity
Nocturnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
pupa
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview

Spondylis

*Spondylis* Fabricius, 1775 is one of the most distinctive cerambycids of the West Palaearctic, immediately recognisable by its compact, cylindrical, shiny black body and strikingly short, moniliform antennae — characters wholly atypical for the family. Adults are nocturnal, flying from May to August and readily attracted to light. Larvae develop over at least two years deep within stumps, roots and the basal portions of dead conifers, penetrating both sapwood and heartwood, often in the subterranean part of the root system.

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

PiceaPinus
⚑ Conservation note: none — Native conifer species; no EPPO quarantine status

External resources

GBIF · Wikidata · Käfer der Welt

Field tip: Under conifer bark or on trunks. Hosts: Picea.