Phytoecia (Musaria) cephalotes Küster, 1846
[= Musaria cephalotes (Küster, 1846)]

Subfamilia: LAMIINAE  /  Tribus: PHYTOECIINI
Phytoecia cephalotes
[Photo © M.Hoskovec]
Phytoecia cephalotes
[Photo © M.Hoskovec]



Phytoecia (Musaria) cephalotes Küster, 1846 belongs to rare European Cerambycidae species. It develops in roots of Trinia spp. (Apiaceae). The larvae first feed in the stalks of the plant. Later larval instars enter the root system. In the second year of development the larvae create a characteristic cocoon in the root where also pupation occurs.

Body length:9 - 14 mm
Life cycle:1 year
Adults in:April - June
Host plant:Trinia (Apiaceae) species (e.g. Trinia dalechampii)
Distribution:North Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece


The depicted beetle was reared from roots of Trinia dalechampii (Apiaceae) found in Slovenia.

Collected by our friend Petr Kabátek


Phytoecia cephalotes
Phytoecia cephalotes
[Photo © M.Hoskovec]

Subfamilia: Lamiinae Latreille, 1825
Tribus: Phytoeciini Mulsant, 1839
Genus: Phytoecia Dejean, 1835
Subgenus: Musaria J. Thomson, 1864
Species: Phytoecia (Musaria) cephalotes Küster, 1846