Photo © M.Hoskovec and M.Rejzek

Blabinotus spinicollis is a nocturnal species endemic to Canary Islands and Madeira. Larvae of this beetle mainly develop in Laurus azorica but other broadleaved tree species have also been reported to serve as hosts. The species is a typical inhabitant of humid laurel woods and is strictly confined to such habitats. Females oviposit into recently dead shoots of Laurus azorica situated in fairly shady locations. Typically the diameter of such shoot is 5 -10 cm. Up to several larvae can develop in one dead shoot. Only rarely branches within canopy or other sun exposed tree parts are attacked. Young larvae first feed subcortically creating rather broad galleries filled with nonfibrous frass. Later instar larvae enter sapwood and create pupal cells there. Adults hatch in December but do not leave the pupal cells before February.

Body length:	9 - 15 mm
Life cycle:	2 - 3 years
Adults in:	February and August
Host plant:	Laurus azorica
Distribution:	endemic to Macaronesia (Canary Islands and Madeira)

The depicted beetle was reared from a dead branch of Laurus azorica collected in Hermigua (La Gomera, Canary Islands).

Collected by M.Rejzek.

Photo © M.Rejzek