Will they visit?: Longhorned beetles frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Stenoderus suturalis – rogstanden (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Stenoderus suturalis – Dr. Guido Bohne (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Stenoderus suturalis – Reiner Richter (CC BY 4.0)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Shrubs and foliage
Diet: Pollen, nectar, timber
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Pollination
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Longhorned beetles, or Longicorns, are a diverse group of insects, adapted to different plant species and habitats. Some species, including the Stinking Longicorn (Stenoderus suturalis) are adaptable to home gardens. Longhorned beetles lay their eggs on stems of shrubs and trees where their young (called larvae) chew tunnels inside the wood. The tunnels are abandoned by the mature beetles and become nesting sites for native bees.
Some introduced species are serious pests as they feed on untreated timber, buildings, and furniture. Check the identification of any beetle prior undertaking pest treatment as native longhorned beetles are usually not ‘pests’ and are part of a healthy ecosystem.
Novel Shelter
A template of a bug hotel is illustrated below. Things to consider:
Place several bug hotels throughout the garden to avoid disease spread.
Have several smaller hotels throughout the garden to avoid parasite and predator burden.
Position in a north and east position sheltered with dappled shade.
Keep dry and ensure protection from the rain.
Avoid using insecticides around the garden.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Adults beetles often feed off nectar and pollen from paperbarks, eucalypts, and grevilleas. An incredibly diverse garden, rich in different native plants, can attract an array of different species. A diverse garden with native plants can attract predators (including birds) to control any unruly Longhorned beetle species.
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
Not all Longhorned beetles are pests. Many Longhorned beetles are pollinators within the garden, creating a more connected ecosystem. If you see one in your backyard, you can record your sighting on the Atlas of Living Australia and help scientists monitor there population and distribution.
