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| Musk beetle | |
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Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Cerambycidae |
| Genus: | Aromia |
| Species: | A. moschata |
| Binomial name | |
| Aromia moschata | |
Themusk beetle (Aromia moschata) is aEurasian species oflonghorn beetle belonging to the subfamilyCerambycinae, tribeCallichromatini. Its name comes from the delicate musky smell it emits when menaced. The beetle has a shell with an iridescence tone that changes with the angle of view. It has a hard shell around the thorax with hard sharp spines.
This beetle is characterised by long antennae (like all other cerambycids[1]) and a somewhat coppery or greenish metallic tint. The typical form, characterised by apronotum with a metallic color, is widespread inEurope, except for most of Spain and SouthernItaly. In such regions, inNorth and East Africa, and inAsia toJapan, the species is represented by some subspecies characterised by a more or less redpronotum. The antennae are longer than the entire head and body length in male and as long as body in females. Nevertheless, the Oriental subspecies have usually shorter antennae.
The musk beetle can be found inGreat Britain locally, for example atCaldicot and Wentloog Levels—otherwise known as Gwent LevelsSSSI[2]
The adults are usually found on leaves, especially those of thewillow trees, where the larva of this species lives. The secretion with the characteristic musky smell is produced in thoracic glands,and is expelled through openings located on the distal part of themetasternum, near the hind legs articulation. The secretion was formerly supposed to contain salicylaldehyde or a salicylic ether, but there is now evidence that it consists instead mainly of four differentmonoterpenes,[3] among which isrose oxide, one of the most important fragrances in perfumery.
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