Morimus asper


Morimus asper is a species of beetle in family Cerambycidae.

Etymology

The genus name "Morimus" derives from the Greek word "μόριμος" or "mórimos", meaning "destined to die", while the Latin species name "asper" refers to the surface of the elytra.

Subspecies

  • Morimus asper asper
  • Morimus asper funereus Mulsant, 1863
  • Morimus asper ganglbaueri Reitter, 1884
  • ''Morimus asper verecundus''

    Description

Morimus asper can reach a length of. This large and massive longhorn beetle has a black, elongated and oval body with very short, gray-brown hair and elytra are grainy over the entire surface. Males have more developed antennae. The subspecies Morimus asper funereus has gray-blue elytra with dark spots. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding mainly on deciduous and coniferous trees.
Adults can be found from March to October. They feed on bark, leaves and stems. Usually they hide during the day. Mating and oviposition take places mainly in the evening and at night, when they are active. Fights between the males with severe damages are common.

Distribution

This species is widespread in southwestern, south and southeastern Europe, and Turkmenistan.
In Spain it occupies the northern fringe between the provinces of Aragon, Asturias, Burgos, Catalonia, Navarre and the Basque Country.