About Zorion guttigerum (Westwood, 1843)
Adults of Zorion guttigerum vary in size, ranging from 3 to 7 mm in length. They are dark purple-brown, with a bright golden spot on each elytron. This species has been described as the most strikingly colourful beetle in New Zealand's fauna. Unlike most species in the subfamily Cerambycinae, which have elongated antennae that extend past the body, Z. guttigerum generally has antennae shorter than its body. Males typically have longer antennae than females, but females are significantly larger in overall size. Zorion guttigerum is a diurnal species of beetle. They are strong fliers that often fly between flower clusters. Adult beetles mate and feed on the flowers of the many plant species they visit. Males can show aggressive behavior toward other males on the same flower cluster, even when no females are present. After mating, females leave the flowers to lay eggs, while males stay on the flowers. Feeding and mating take place on flowers of many plant species, usually between October and March. Research has found that body colour plays an important role in mating success for both males and females of this species. Females lay their eggs in freshly cut and broken branches of both native and exotic plants. Larvae feed internally on bark and woody material. Zorion guttigerum is widespread across both the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand.
