Ergates faber
Ergates faber
It is one of the largest beetle species in Europe, with its subterranean larvae growing up to 10 centimeters long before pupating.
- Scientific name
- Ergates faber
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Coleoptera › Cerambycidae › Ergates
- IUCN Red List status
- Near Threatened
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Coniferous forests, specifically old-growth pine woodlands with abundant decaying wood
- Diet
- Larvae feed on decaying coniferous wood; adults do not feed, relying on stored larval reserves
- Range
- Europe, North Africa, Near East
- Size
- 25 to 60 mm in length
- Lifespan
- 3 to 5 years as a larva; 2 to 4 weeks as an adult
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Intensive forestry management, removal of deadwood and stumps, and habitat fragmentation
- Safe to approach?
- Defensive but harmless. While not venomous, its powerful mandibles can deliver a painful pinch if handled. Observe from a safe distance of a few inches; do not pick up. If bitten, wash the area with soap and water to prevent secondary infection.
Ergates faber is a species of beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Ergates .
Photo: Gilles San Martin, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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