Long-horned beetle  (Macrodontia cervicornis)

Description

The largest and most widespread of the longhorn beetles, this gigantic species is instantly recognisable for its striking patterning and enlarged jaws (3). The jaws reach the greatest length in the males (2), and are inwardly curved with a serrated inner edge (3). The head and body colouration is brown and black, with irregular, ornate black markings on the wing cases (elytra). Despite its great size, this species is capable of flight, raising the wing cases and directing them forwards to allow room for the wings to beat (4). The larvae of Macrodontia cervicornis are extremely large, reaching up to 21 centimetres in length and, unusually for beetle larvae, are coloured brown rather than white (3).

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