Spotted Longhorn (Rutpela maculata)

Rutpela maculata is also commonly known as the ‘spotted’ or ‘black and yellow longhorn’ for obvious reasons. It can be identified by its tapered wing casings which feature four black bands that are complete at the rear end but are broken nearer the thorax. The four front legs are yellow with black tips. The hind legs are mostly black.

This species is nearly always spotted feeding on nectar on flower heads such as hogweed or cow parsley. This was feeding on dog roses. The larvae feed on rotting tree stumps, especially birch and pine.

Seen June 2023 in the gardens of Chiswick House.

Related posts:

Black and yellow long horn (Rutpela-maculata) Cinnabar Moth Caterpilar (Tyria jacobaeae) Muscina levida Harlequin ladybird – Harmonia axyridis Tephritis neesii White-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lucorum)