Iridescent Longhorn Beetle (Psalidognathus superbus)

Photo by Tukup

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

I found no common name other than the familiar name: “Longhorn Beetle.” This remarkably colored beetle is in the Prioninae, a subfamily of Cerambycidae (Long-horned beetles). True to its name, its antennae are longer than its body, This beetle was 65 mm long which is the maximum size they reach. Its defense isn’t limited to the impressive 2 cm long mandibles, the head, prothorax and leading tip of the elytra are armed with very sharp spines. The surface of its entire body appears to have an iridescent metallic purple textured appearance.

Habitat:

This beetle was found under a light in the Amazon rainforest of SE Ecuador (700 masl).

Notes:

I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I found this beetle. Not only was it huge, but the colors were unbelievable. Little could be found of its habits or habitat, but the majority of the Prioninae whose biology is known are borers whose larvae feed on rotting wood or roots. There is an interesting video at the following link:

https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-6613778-very-large-longhorn-bee…

Reference Links:

Psalidognathus - Wikipedia, Psalidognathus superbus - Coleoptera-Atlas.com

Species ID Suggestions

Iridescent Longhorn Beetle

Psalidognathus superbus

Reference Link

Saturniidae27

+ vote

Comments (27)

Tukup

Thanks Saturniidae. I think you're right. I have made the corrections.

Saturniidae27

Truly amazing Tukup. To me Psalidognathus superbus looks a little more identical, and range also seems to cover, quite well :-) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/10663405

Tukup

Thanks Rhynoctapu. It was a gem.

Rhynoctapus

Woah, that's an impressive beetle, nice spot!

Tukup

Thanks Ornithoptera. One of the highlights of our time here. It was impressive.

Ornithoptera80

What a huge and beautiful long horn beetle, Tukup.

Tukup

Wow Leuba. I see I completely missed replying to you. So sorry. I do appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Tukup

Thanks Neil. It is a beauty.

Neil Ross

Far out! Industrial strength beetle. Awesome spotting, Tukup.

Tukup

Thanks Mark. Definitely a "star" in my sightings.

Mark Ridgway

Formidable.

Tukup

Thanks Dan. Definitely a highlight for me. If you didn't watch the video in the notes, be sure not to miss it.

Dan Doucette

Woah impressive! Great spotting!

Tukup

Thanks Mauron. I think you summed it up quite nicely :-)

Ahmed Mujcinovic

Amazing.

Tukup

Thanks Neil. Don't know how I missed you before. I appreciate your comments.

Tukup

Thanks Michael and Lauren. I have no idea how rare they actually are, but this is the only one I've seen in 33+ years here. It was definitely one of the highlights of my spottings.

LaurenZarate

I would faint in excitement to find one of these!

Michael Strydom

Wow, never seen this before!! Amazing shot in the sun ith that awsome sparkle to the carpace!!

Tukup

Thanks Antonio. The close up came out even better than I'd hoped. An amazing creature.

AntónioGinjaGinja

Great find Tukup,beautiful,congrats and thanks for sharing

Tukup

Hi Adrian. I got a notice regarding your comment, but don't see it here. So if you see this, thanks. I appreciate your interest in a beautiful "terrible" beetle :-)

Leuba Ridgway

Impressive ! That is a great shot of the head.

Neil Ross

Industrial-strength nippers. Awesome spotting, Tukup.

SukanyaDatta

:) I would have too!!!

Tukup

Thanks Sukanya. Normally I don't pay attention to the possibility of being bitten by "bugs" but this was different. I handled it "very" carefully.

SukanyaDatta

My God, Tukup. The first photo is Fantastic ...it .looks as large as the Mars Rover. I went Ouch...ouch..ouch when I saw the video.