Species guide
Violet tanbark beetle
HarmlessCallidium violaceum
The Violet Longhorn Beetle is a striking, wood-boring insect found in coniferous and mixed forests across Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are typically seen during the summer months resting on tree trunks or freshly cut logs.
How to recognise it
This beetle features a sleek, elongated body covered in a striking metallic violet-blue or purplish-black sheen. It possesses the characteristic long antennae of its family, though they are often slightly shorter in females. The hard wing covers are smooth and highly reflective in sunlight, measuring about 10 to 20 millimeters in length.
Is it dangerous?
This beetle poses no threat to humans or pets, as it does not bite, sting, or carry diseases. While its larvae bore into wood and can occasionally be a minor nuisance in forestry, the adult insects you encounter are completely harmless.
Commonly confused with
- Coppery Longhorn Beetle — The Coppery Longhorn Beetle has a similar shape but displays a distinct coppery-bronze or reddish metallic sheen rather than a deep violet-blue color.
What to do
Simply observe this beautiful beetle from a short distance and leave it be, as it plays a natural role in breaking down dead wood. If you find one in your firewood, it is harmless and can be gently relocated outside.
Recorded 10,984 times in the wild worldwide.
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