Subject: Large green bug
Geographic location of the bug: Stretham near Ely
Date: 07/23/2021
Time: 07:49 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This large green flying bug landed on me yesterday. Its body was 30-35mm long and it had long curved antenna which do not show up too well on the photo. Searched on Google to no avail. Could you please identify for me? Any info much appreciated
How you want your letter signed: John
Dear John,
This Longhorned Borer Beetle in the family Cerambycidae is commonly called a Musk Beetle, because according to Eakring Birds: “This is a huge beetle, probably the largest species found in Nottinghamshire. It’s large size struck us when we found this adult on a Sallow trunk in Gamston Wood near Retford in July 2010 and more recently in June 2011 (top two photographs). On the day, we also saw a second beetle alight near the top of another Sallow in the adjacent Eaton Wood. These are believed to be the first site records, but this is a scarce beetle in Nottinghamshire anyway, and it’s stronghold may possibly be along the Trent and Idle Valleys. Named after it’s ability to produce a pleasant smell, Aromia moschata is a beetle that can also produce an audible sound when handled.” The species is also pictured on FlickR.