Two-banded Longhorn beetle

Info - The Two-banded Longhorn beetle is a large species of longhorn from the family “Cerambycidae”.  They can reach up to 22mm in length and are distinguished by their 2 yellow bands on each of their wing covers.  Though this is the typical pattern of the Longhorn, there have been 17 other variations spotted in the UK.  The longhorn beetles use their lovely long antennae to scope out suitable nesting sites and also mates.

When and where to see -  March - July, most commonly found in woodland amongst low vegetation and on tree trunks. 

Fact - They will lay their eggs in the dead wood of coniferous trees. The larva will proceed to bore deep tunnels into the wood before they are ready to pupate after around 2 years. The larva will feed solely upon the rotting wood which is low in nutritional value, meaning they need to consume a lot of it over a long period of time, hence why it takes so long for them to pupate.