Cerambyx Linnaeus, 1758 is an emblematic genus of Palaearctic long-horned beetles, comprising 13 species within two subgenera, some of which are among the largest European Coleoptera. Larvae of Cerambyx spp. are saproxylic and either develop in oaks or in a variety of fruit or ornamental trees. One species, the great capricorn beetle Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758, is strictly protected in Europe, acting as an umbrella species associated with senescent oaks. The taxonomic history of the genus is convoluted, and even recently, there have been numerous changes in relation to the status of several of its species and subspecies. Despite the importance and iconic status of the genus, the evolutionary relationships among Cerambyx species have not been investigated in detail, and most species and subspecies boundaries have been assessed solely based on morphological characters, some of which are quite variable. Of particular interest is the status of Cerambyx miles Bonelli, 1812, a western Palaearctic species in which small-sized individuals are morphologically more distinctive than expected based on size differences alone. In this study, we infer a multi-marker molecular phylogeny encompassing 96 Cerambyx specimens representing nine of the 13 extant Cerambyx species. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis remains preliminary, as it is based primarily on mitochondrial barcode fragments; nevertheless it provides novel insights into the placement of most species and on the validity of the two extant Cerambyx subgenera. In the case of C. miles, morphologically distinctive specimens are genetically indistinguishable based on the selected markers, highlighting that the morphological variability in some Cerambyx species may be misleading, and therefore warrants greater caution when defining or reinstating new species or subspecies.

Steph Skipp shares her PhD research on elusive and threatened saproxylic beetles.

PDF | This poster investigates the effects of deadwood type and tree diversity on deadwood cavity-nesting Hymenoptera host-parasitoid communities. The... | Find, read and cite all the research you nee...

This is an intro and visual guide to the extraordinary diversity of beetle species associated with dead and decaying wood in the UK. Numbering some 650 species, this habitat supports the greatest dive...

PDF | This article summarises the beetle records for Hatfield Forest (SSSI, NNR), Essex, with comments on the more significant discoveries. 855 beetle... | Find, read and cite all the research you nee...