'Typical' R. maculata, courtesy of Galerie du Monde des insectes |
The 'Stoke Park' R. maculata showing a greater than usual amount of black. |
Although still clearly recognisable as R. maculata (the shape, leg colour and spines etc. are unchanged), it is worth noting the superficial similarity to other banded longhorn species such as Judolia sexmaculata, the three-banded longhorn.
J. sexmaculata, courtesy of 'Cerambyx' |
Despite the superficial similarity, it is clear that the patterns are different with J. sexmaculata having differently shaped spots/bands, generally with more angular edges. It also has more rounded elytral tips and tapers less towards the rear as well as having darker legs than R. maculata. So, a good example (I think) of pattern variability in a common species, although not one that should cause too much confusion. For more about British Cerambycidae, including identification by pictures, a good place to start is the following two-parter in British Wildlife: enjoy!
Duff, A. (2007). Longhorn beetles: Part 1. British Wildlife 18(6): 406 - 414.
Duff, A. (2007). Longhorn beetles: Part 2. British Wildlife 19(1): 35 - 43.
These lepturine cerambycids really can be a variable lot - variation is the fuel of evolution!
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