Harlequin Beetle

Acrocinus longimanus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a longhorn beetle in Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. Its strongly elongated antennae and the male’s long forelegs are prominent elements of its outline. [2][3]

The thorax and wing covers bear black, greenish-yellow and red-orange markings. Black antennae have orange marks at the joints; a spine projects from each side of the pronotum. [1][2]

French Guianan individuals in the 1992 study had bright crimson markings; Panamanian beetles were orange. [1]

Records extend from Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America to northern Argentina. The 2017 Corrientes record came from a remnant of the Paranaense Forest at San Alonso. [2]

Larvae develop inside deteriorating wood. In Panama and French Guiana, females laid eggs on recently fallen timber and dead or dying portions of standing trees. [1]

Recorded larval hosts include Moraceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and Malvaceae. [1][2]

Males guard females and egg-laying sites. During fights, curved forelegs hook beneath a rival’s thorax and lever it from the tree; biting can accompany combat. [1]

Male forelegs lengthen disproportionately with body size. In 20 staged field contests, relative forefemur length was the best predictor of victory. [1]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.