Glenea elegans is a species within the Cerambycidae family, known for its long antennae and distinctively marked body. The “flat-faced” descriptor in its common name refers to the broad, flattened appearance of its face. This species typically features a dark, glossy body with contrasting, often colorful patterns that can include red, yellow, or white markings, making it quite striking in appearance.
Flat-faced Longhorn Beetles
Glenea elegans
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Insecta
ORDER
:
Coleoptera
FAMILY
:
Cerambycidae
GENUS
:
Glenea
SPECIES
:
Glenea elegans
Other Information
Venomous?
Glenea elegans does not possess any poison and is not toxic. Like most longhorn beetles, its defense mechanism is more about avoiding predators through camouflage and quick escape rather than chemical defenses.
A Danger to Humans?
There is no direct danger to humans from Glenea elegans. While the larvae are wood-borers, which can damage living trees or untreated lumber, they do not pose any threat to human health.
Population Status
No detailed population size data for Glenea elegans exists in widely available literature; they are generally not considered rare within their native range.
Flat-faced Longhorn Beetles (Glenea elegans), photo by David Lowenthal
Life Span:
The life span of Glenea elegans, from larva to adult, can extend over several years, depending on environmental conditions. The larval stage, where the beetle lives within wood, is typically the longest phase of its life cycle.
Weight and Length:
These beetles, while sizeable for insects, still weigh only a few grams. Adults can vary significantly in size but generally range from 20 to 40 mm in length.
Distribution:
Glenea elegans is found in Southeast Asia, particularly in forested regions where its preferred host trees are abundant. This includes areas like Borneo, Sumatra, and other parts of Indonesia.
Habits and Lifestyle:
This beetle is mainly diurnal and can often be spotted on tree trunks and branches. The larvae are wood-borers, spending their time inside the wood of trees where they eat and grow until ready to pupate and emerge as adults.
Diet and Nutrition:
The larvae of Glenea elegans feed on the wood of trees, which they infest. They are capable of breaking down and digesting cellulose from the wood. Adults may feed on plant matter such as sap or leaves but are not as dependent on food as the larvae.
Mating Habits:
Mating occurs on or near host trees. Females lay eggs in the bark of trees, and the larvae bore into the wood upon hatching. The cycle of feeding and growth within the wood continues until the beetles emerge as adults to reproduce and start the cycle anew.