This beetle was in my woodpile.
Asker: Mark, 35 years old
Answer
Dear Marc,
this is the ant beetle Thanasimus formicarius (family Cleridae, variegated beetles).
Characteristic of the ant beetle are the two white transverse bands on the elytra (elytra), which can vary somewhat in shape. Usually this beetle is found in coniferous forests.
Both the beetle and the larvae feed on bark-dwelling insects, especially bark beetle larvae. They are considered very useful.
kind regards,
Hans
Answered by
Hans Castels
identification of insect pests in agriculture and horticulture, stock goods and homes
Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
.