July 2019: A spotted longhorn (beetle) [Rutpela maculata, formerly: Strangalia maculata] (Gefleckter Schmalbock) on a meadowsweet [Filipendula ulmaria] (Mädesüss): Now in July I discover this beetle often on blossoms in or near the woods together with bumblebees. There are several spotted longhorn beetle species but this is the only one with black-yellow ringed antennae. The elytra pattern shows a wide range, but the first and second pair of legs is generally yellow. Other animals may think it is a wasp (mimicry). With the hind legs and the elytra they can stridulate! The larvae develop in rotten trunks mostly of deciduous trees. The meadowsweet [Filipendula ulmaria] (Mädesüss = Spierstaude) is a typical herald of summer and - as the name tells - smells very sweet! The plant prefers moist soil. The dehydrated blossoms are used as herbal tea (antipyretic, diaphoretic). The tradename "Aspirin" is derived from the former latin name "Spiraea ulmaria"!
