Longhorn Beetle Strangalia maculata

[Harold Gough]

This beetle is found on flowers in the summer months. Its markings are rather variable. It also goes by various names. I have posted this under the name in some identification guides*. I previously posted it under the most accepted name of Rutpela maculata.

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=86564&

Apparently, one authority favours Leptura

That sorted, here are some pictures. The main issue with these is that the dark featues of the head cannnot be shown well without tending to burn out the yellow markings.

This one looks like a museum specimen placed on the flower for photographic purposes:



* The species is not included in my Collins Field Guide to British Insects but is in the Collins Complete British Wildlife Guide.

Harold
_________________
Happiness is having the right adapter.

My manual flash setup for high magnification:

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=117843#117843

[ChrisR]

I've also been chasing between the names with that one. Odd that such a common beetle doesn't have a common name. (There's one in my salad drawer at the moment.)

[Harold Gough]