Eastern Feather-horned Beetle

Rhipicera femorata is an Australian beetle in Rhipiceridae, also recorded under the subgeneric combination Rhipicera (Agathorhipis) femorata. [1][2]

The body is black with white spots. Male antennae form large curved fans of blade-like segments, while the female’s antennae are substantially smaller and less elaborate. [1][3]

The species occurs in eastern Australia and inhabits open eucalypt forest. An identified Museums Victoria observation comes from Sale Commons in East Gippsland, Victoria. [3][1][2]

Microscopy of one preserved male and one female estimated about 30,000 sensilla placodea per male antenna, compared with no more than approximately 100 per female antenna. These flat sensory structures were distributed across the flagellar branches. [3]

The large male fans expose a broad sensory surface to moving air. The authors interpreted their architecture as consistent with locating females through scent. [3]

A frontal or oblique view reveals the depth and curvature of the male antennal fans; a female retains a markedly different antennal outline. [3]

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.