Description
Beetle, Apomecyna tigrina, Longhorn beetle from Sulawesi, Indonesia.
You will receive the specimen shown, or one like it.
Apomecyna tigrina is a small species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) native to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Though tiny—typically only about 1 centimeter long—it displays a surprisingly detailed and attractive pattern. Its body is compact and slightly flattened, adapted for moving easily over bark and leaves.
The beetle’s wing covers (elytra) are patterned with a mix of dark brown or black spots and pale yellow to tan areas, creating a “tiger-like” appearance that gives the species its name. This mottled coloration helps it blend perfectly into the textures of tree bark, offering camouflage from predators.
Like most longhorn beetles, A. tigrina has relatively long antennae for its size, often reaching about the same length as its body. The larvae live inside dead or decaying wood, where they feed and help decompose plant material, contributing to the health of the forest ecosystem.
Despite its small size, Apomecyna tigrina stands out as a beautifully patterned example of Sulawesi’s diverse and intricate insect life.
