Agapanthia villosoviridescens

Isn't that just such a wonderful name? Somehow the English name of Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle just doesn't have the same panache or rolloff the tongue quite so gracefullly. I've always loved the sound of the Latin names of species- and studied Latin at school just so I had some indication of what they mean. I'm not quite sure what the Agapanthia refers to, but the specific name 'villosoviridescens' means hairy and greenish.

This unmistakable species (don't you love the stripy antennae!) is mostly found in the south east. Unlike many longhorn beetles, whose larvae live in dead wood, this species uses herbaceous species including hogweed and various thistles. Eggs are laid into a small cavity bitten into the host stem by the female, usually only two to a plant. On hatching the larvae eats into the pith and makes its way to the base of the stem, sometimes into the rootstock. Adults emerge from April and are found until October, being active on plant stems and flying readily in hot weather. The life cycle is completed within a year .

The wet weather today meant that fieldwork was curtailed by 10.30am, enabling me to start putting some of my data onto spreadsheets. Inbetween times I've been catching up with more washing, cooking meals, and of course caring for Russell, who's dozing on top of the lounge door as I write this. It's been an important day for him as he's learnt how to eat pick up and eat mealworms and minced beef - a major step forward in crow development. Flying practice continues, though he did briefly become stranded when he landed in a vase of sweet williams!