Greater Thorn-tipped Longhorn Beetle - Pogonocherus hispidulus

Length 5 to 8 mm. Similar to P. hispidus but generally larger and with longer teeth at the tip of each elytron. This species has white marked antennae and a white band on the scutellum. Well camouflaged on trees and shrubs by its lichen like appearance.

Deciduous trees and shrubs especially Lime.

Spring and autumn.

The larvae feed on small branches and twigs of dead wood.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 24 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.