Spent much of the day checking out the huge variety of moths and other insects attracted to the new moth wall overnight. The undoubted highlight was this amazing male Harlequin Beetle
Acrocinus longimanus. These huge longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) are found throughout Central and South America, where they spend most of their lives high in the canopy feeding mainly on sap, but occasionally come to lights. The purpose of the male's huge forelegs (manus - see the scientific name) is not certain, but might help when climbing across gaps in the canopy or be used in courtship. The large and protein-rich larvae are eaten throughout much of Latin America, and mounted adults are sold for high sums of money.
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| Male Harlequin Beetle Acrocinus longimanus |
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| Male Harlequin Beetle Acrocinus longimanus |
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