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Rare beetle found in north Wales

A black beetle, hardly ever seen in Wales, which squeaks when held and has powerful jaws has been found in a timber yard in Anglesey.

It is believed the long-horn beetle species - Morimus asper species - which has an inch long body with antennae 1.5 inches long, comes from Italy and the former Yugoslavia. The larvae of this beetle, which probably arrived in Wales through imported timber from Europe, feed in dead wood.

The finder contacted scientists at National Museum Cardiff and sent photos. They then sent the specimen to Brian Levey, Curator of Coleoptera at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. He said:

“This is probably the first time Morimus asper has been found in Wales and as it originates from a much warmer climate, it is unlikely to become established in the UK.”

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff; St Fagans: National History Museum; National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon; Big Pit: National Coal Museum; Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre; National Slate Museum, Llanberis ;National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’s Museums is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

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For more information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales on (029) 2057 3185 or 07920 027067.