Rosalia longicorn

The Rosalia longicorn, also known as the Alpine longhorn beetle, is a captivating insect with distinctive features. These beetles are relatively large, measuring between 15 and 38 mm in length. The males, in particular, boast impressive antennae that can extend up to twice the length of their bodies. Their elytra, or wing covers, are a blue-gray color with black spots, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their preferred habitat—the European Beech forests.

These beetles are found across a range stretching from the Cantabrian Mountains to the Caucasus region. Unfortunately, their population has been declining across Europe, prompting countries like Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia to implement protective measures.

Rosalia longicorns are most active from June to September. During the day, they can often be seen near flowers, feeding on pollen. They also have a unique way of communicating by producing a chirping noise, generated by rubbing their rear legs and elytra together.

When it comes time to reproduce, female beetles lay their eggs in cracks in beech bark. The larvae feed on this bark and take about three years to complete their development before pupating and eventually emerging as mature adults.

Interestingly, the Rosalia longicorn is the symbol of the Danube-Ipoly National Park in Hungary, underscoring its significance and the efforts being made to conserve this fascinating species.