Longhorn beetles

The longhorn beetles are very interesting insects with long moustaches. Their whiskers can be longer than their body! These beetles can be of different sizes and colours. Some of them can be large and beautifully coloured.

Usually the daddy moustache has a black body and can shine in the sun like a small black diamond. The mama beetle is reddish brown in colour and resembles a beautiful tree.

Where longhorn beetles live

Longhorn beetles usually live in old growth forests where there are many oak trees. They like trees and bushes that have lots of food and places to hide. Beetles like to make their burrows in oak trees, where they live and where the mum beetle lays her eggs.

What they eat

Many longhorn beetles eat wood and tree bark. They have special teeth that they can use to chew on wood. Some of them also eat flowers, leaves, and even other small insects.

What their babies look like

Baby bugs, or grubs, live inside trees. They look very different from adult beetles, and they need to eat a lot to grow to become an adult beetle.

Why they have such long whiskers

The long whiskers on longhorn beetles aren't just pretty. They help beetles sense the world around them. They can use their whiskers to sense wind, rain, and even other beetles nearby!

What are the most famous longhorn beetles?

One of the most famous longhorn beetles is the hornbill. It has huge whiskers and can be very large. This beetle looks like a real warrior!

How longhorn beetles help the forest

The longhorn beetles help the forest to be healthy. They remove old and diseased trees, making room for new plants. They are like little helpers of the forest!

Have you ever met longhorn beetles?

If you go into the forest, look at the trees and bushes. You might find a longhorn beetle. It may be big or small, bright or dark, but it will always have long whiskers. They are a true wonder of nature!