Wasp-like Longicorn Beetle - Hesthesis variegata

FAMILY CERAMBYCIDAE

This page contains information and pictures about Wasp-like Longicorn Beetles that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.


Body length 20mm

This Longicorn Beetle mimics a wasp to gain protection. Besides its colours and body shape, the beetle moves like a wasp.



To mimic a wasp, it has the very short elytra, or wing cover. There are the orange-yellow bands on its abdomen. On its 1st and 2nd abdomen segment there are the yellow edges to make it has the narrow- waisted look.



When we came close to the beetle, the beetle put up different wasp-like postures and movement. After a few try and failed to scare us, the beetle flied away.



We took those pictures on Oct 2004 in Yugarapul Park.




On Dec 2005 we found the an insect resting on a She-oak tree Casuarinaceae. We though it may be a Wasp-like Longicorn Beetle but feared it could be a wasp. We came close very carefully and found out it was a beetle. We took only one photo before it flied away.




Once learnt how to recognize this beetle, found they are quite common in Brisbane. This set of photos were taken in Karawatha Forest Oct 2006.