Cerambycidae beetle for ID check.

[Geoff F]

Yet another from those S. Devon woods. It appears to key out as Cerambycidae family and, following a hunch, Alosterna tabacicolor looks possible.

But when I try to discover some images for confirmation I find that the legs vary between brown and black. So which is correct or is this a variable feature.

And more to the point. If this is a totally incorrect ID attempt; what is the correct identification?

[oxycera]

not absolutely certain, but isn't it a cantharid?

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by oxycera

not absolutely certain, but isn't it a cantharid?

Yes. I make it Rhagonycha lignosa, but thename may have changed (to R. pallida? Shall check later.

[Geoff F]

Thanks.

Rhagonycha lignosa looks correct. I found several images which appeared too pale but I suspect they were preserved specimens. Eventually found some photos that appear to match exactly.

I find beetle identification difficult. There are so many species and although I have the Aidgap Keys I keep getting false positives when working from photos.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

.......Rhagonycha lignosa looks correct. I found several images which appeared too pale but I suspect they were preserved specimens. Eventually found some photos that appear to match exactly.

I find beetle identification difficult. There are so many species and although I have the Aidgap Keys I keep getting false positives when working from photos.

In my book (Joy) it is described as 'yellow' .... one of the difficulties we have!

Everyone has difficulties identifying beetles (or flies, or .... ) due, as you note, to the sheer number of them. Stating what you've probably heard many times before ..... it all comes down to experience! People who've been doing Coleoptera (etc.) for half a century can probably tell you 90% of beetles to family and genus ... half of them to species ....

With perseverence, I've got to the stage of being able to recognise most families - some I don't really try unless I have a need to know. You will fairly soon, with perseverence, be able to recognise families and after that the genera of (e.g.) ground beetles.

However, you have to recognise that some things will never be identifiable from photos and, without expert advice, some never will be!

[Geoff F]

Yes, I agree experience is essential. The trouble is that I have set myself the task of trying to identify 'everything' in a patch of isolated old woodland which means attempting to become an insect Jack of all Trades - and master of none!

My thinking was:- Looks like Strangalia melanura or a Leptura and when it appeared to key out as Cerambycidae I shouted Bingo!

Anyway, thanks for the help. I will probably be returning with something else soon.