New Caledonian Longhorn Beetle vs Mediterranean Drilus

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Caledonian Longhorn Beetle Mediterranean Drilus
Scientific Name Agrianome fairmairei Drilus mauritanicus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Drilidae
Size 40-70 mm 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female)
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Oceania (New Caledonia) North Africa, Mediterranean
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

New Caledonian Longhorn Beetle

A large longhorn beetle endemic to New Caledonia, where its larvae develop in dead and decaying wood of native trees. It is one of the largest beetles in the Pacific Islands. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

The larvae of this beetle are considered a delicacy by the Kanak people of New Caledonia, who harvest them from rotting logs.

Mediterranean Drilus

A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.

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Did You Know?

After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.