Tithoes

Giant African Longhorn
PrioninaeAcanthophorini
W. Palearctic spp.
2
European spp.
1
Body length
30–70 mm
Activity
Nocturnal
Flight season
Summer–Autumn
Overwinters as
larva
Larva type
MRTVE_TV
Biotope
forest-saproxylic
Overview

Tithoes

*Tithoes* [auct., verify] ranks among the largest Cerambycidae occurring in the western Palaearctic, with adults reaching 30–70 mm in body length. These robust, dark brown beetles are nocturnal and strongly attracted to ultraviolet light, making lamp-trapping the primary observation method. The genus is overwhelmingly Afrotropical in origin, penetrating the Palaearctic only marginally along the Egypt–Arabia corridor. Larvae develop over 2–5 years deep within the heartwood of dead or dying tropical trees.

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: wood

AcaciaFicus
⚑ Conservation note: none

External resources

GBIF · Käfer der Welt

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