Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens)

One for those who like interesting species names. In this case both scientific and common names qualify.

Agapanthia villosoviridescens is a very distinctive, locally common species of southern and central England, where it might be evident basking on warm, sunny days basking, most commonly on Umbels.

Caught in the right light the mix of yellow, pale grey and golden scales that cover the head, thorax and elytra positively glow and just check out those impressive, bicoloured antennae.

Th8is is one of just two UK longhorn beetle species to develop in herbaceous rather than woody plants. Females gnaw a hole into suitable stems before laying a single egg and resealing it with masticated plant material.

Once hatched the larva feed internally, working its way down the stem to the roots of the host plant.

Now up to 20mm in length, it will overwinter, feed a little more in spring and finally pupate for approx. a month before emerging about a week after its full transformation into an adult.

Adults are diurnal and on the wing between late April and late august early September.