About Aridaeus thoracicus (Donovan, 1805)
Aridaeus thoracicus, commonly known as the tiger longicorn, is a common beetle that is native to Australia and has been introduced to New Zealand. This is an attractively patterned insect with orange and black markings. The femur of each of its legs is swollen at the middle, and orange hairs can often be seen on its legs and thorax. This species was first described by Anglo-Irish naturalist Edward Donovan in 1805. During warmer months, adult Aridaeus thoracicus can be found on flowering plants, where they feed on pollen and nectar. They are especially associated with flowering plants in the myrtle family. The larvae of this beetle feed on dead wood from a range of tree species. Known host trees for its larvae include Avicennia marina and species belonging to the genus Eucalyptus.
