Isotomus speciosus (Schneider, 1787)

Subfamilia: CERAMBYCINAE  /  Tribus: CLYTINI

Isotomus speciosus
[Photo © M.Hoskovec]


A very nice and broadly distributed species (Europe, Caucasus, Transcaucasia). However, in Central Europe it is becoming rare due to the destruction of its natural habitats. It develops in the dead, dry wood of deciduous trees (Carpinus, Quercus, Castanea, Fagus, Ulmus, Acer). In our climate it prefers hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

Body length:10 - 22 mm
Life cycle:at least 2 years
Adults in:June - July
Host plant:polyphagous in deciduous trees
Distribution:Europe except North, Caucasus, Transcaucasia


These beetles were reared ex ovo and it hatched from a thick dead hornbeam branch after 6 years of development. It was collected in South Moravia (Czech Republic).

Collected by M.Rejzek


Isotomus speciosus
Isotomus speciosus
[Photo © M.Hoskovec]

Subfamilia: Cerambycinae Latreille, 1802
Tribus: Clytini Mulsant, 1839
Genus: Isotomus Mulsant, 1863
Species: Isotomus speciosus (Schneider, 1787)