Pyrrhidium sanguineum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera, Ceramycidae) - a first interception for Malta

Abstract

International trade which is the result of modern and fast transport across continents, has resulted in the introduction and establishment of alien invasive insects. This was no exception for the Maltese Islands with many alien species being established in relatively recent years. Cocquempot & Mifsud (2013) provided some information on alien longhorn beetles in Europe with special reference to those introduced and established as well as those intercepted in Malta. The present note provides some information on the Welsh Oak Longhorn Beetle, Pyrrhidium sanguineum, a small to medium size (6–16 mm) saproxylic beetle, which is characterized by a spectacular purple or sometimes yellow-orange colour of the pronotum and elytra.