Selenge Aimag: 35 km NE of Zuunkharaa, dark taiga (48°59'N, 106°55'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♂, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW.

Figure 1. 

Photos of longhorn beetles specimens collected during the expedition to Mongolia in 2015: A Gaurotes virginea aemula (female) B Stictoleptura variicornis (male) C S. variicornis (female) D Anastrangalia sequensi (male) E A. sequensi (male, melanistic form) F A. sequensi (female) G Pachyta lamed (male) H Lepturalia nigripes rufipennis (male) I Pachytodes longipes (female).

Pachyta lamed is a widely distributed Holarctic species. In the Palaearctic region, it primarily occurs in the northern parts of Europe and Asia (Cherepanov 1990a). The species mainly inhabits coniferous forests having a large share of spruce (Picea spp.), which is the host plant of the larvae. The adults fly from the end of June to mid-August. After mating, the females lay eggs on the thin roots of decaying thick-trunked trees. After their third hibernation, the larvae abandon the galleries and make pupal cells in the upper layer of the soil (Cherepanov 1990a).

In Mongolia, it is rarely encountered in the taiga ecosystem (e.g., Namhaidorzh 1972, Müller et al. 2013).

Only a single male was observed on the fireweed Chamaenerion angustifolium on the exposed site in dark taiga habitat (Fig. 6A).

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa, dark taiga (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 2♂♂, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW.

An ordinary Palaearctic species that is distributed alike P. lamed but in the east it only reaches the Trans-Baikal region (Cherepanov 1990a). It is definitely more frequent than the previous species. The larvae develop in the roots (under the bark and in the wood) of coniferous trees, mostly pines (Pinus spp.) Their biology is also similar to the previously described species (Cherepanov 1990a).

In Mongolia, P. quadrimaculata occurs in the taiga in the northern part of the country, although it is probably also present in Khovd Province (Namhaidorzh 1972).

We observed this species in the dark taiga habitat together with P. lamed.

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa, dark taiga (48°57'N, 107°05'E) (Fig. 6B), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 1♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. LK.

The species is distributed in the North Palaearctic region from Europe to Siberia, Sakhalin and the Korean peninsula (Sama 2002), where it is divided into five subspecies (Danilevsky 2017a). According to Danilevsky (2017), G. virginea aemula occurs from East Russia to the Far East, through Kazakhstan, northern Mongolia and China. It is probably polyphagous on coniferous trees. The larvae feed on dead stems, stumps and thicker branches. After two years, the larvae pupate in the soil (Cherepanov 1990a).

In Mongolia, the species is also known from Töv Aimag. It was usually observed singly, e.g., 1 ex., 18 VI 1963; 1 ex., 23–24 VII 1965 (Heyrovský 1964, 1967b). Only a single, still inactive female was found inside the calyx of Chamaenerion angustifolium in the morning, which may suggest that the species overnights in this plant.

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa, dark taiga (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 3♂♂, 3♀♀, on Filipendula palmata, 7♂♂, 3♀♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW; 10♂♂, 2♀♀, on Filipendula palmata, leg. WTS; 3♂♂, on Filipendula palmata, leg. LK; 35 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°59'N, 106°55'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 3♂♂, on Apiaceae, leg. LK.

Stictoleptura variicornis is distributed from eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean coast including Japan (Danilevsky 2017a). This species, which is rare in Europe, reaches the Białowieża Forest in Poland (Gutowski 1995), where it is strictly protected by European law. It inhabits dead thick-trunked trees and the stumps of various coniferous and deciduous species. The larva initially lives under the bark and then in the wood, where it usually makes a pupal cell after its second hibernation. The flight period of this beetle occurs between the second half of June to mid-August (Cherepanov 1990a). It is a common species in the Mongolian taiga. It was also recorded from Bulgan Aimag by Heyrovský (1973a).

Although the specimens were observed on the flowers of a few plant species, they seemed to prefer Filipendula palmata (Fig. 6C).

Töv Aimag: 70 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (47°57'N, 107°49'E), 1833 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015, 2♂♂, on Seseli condensatum, leg. MW; 5♂♂ (2♂ melanistic form), on Seseli condensatum, leg. WTS; 1♀, on Seseli condensatum, leg. LK; 80 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°06'N, 107°50'E) (Fig. 6E), 1538 m a.s.l., 31 VII 2015,1♀, on Apiaceae, leg. LK; 4♂♂, 2♀♀, on flowers near river, leg. MW; 80 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°13'N, 107°43'E), 1778 m a.s.l., 31 VII 2015, 1♂, on Apiaceae, leg. LK; Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 3♀♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. WTS; 35 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°59'N, 106°55'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♂, 1♀, on Apiaceae, leg. WTS; 1♂, on Apiaceae, leg. LK; Khentii Aimag: 40 km NE of Baganuur (47°51'N, 108°54'E), 1612 m a.s.l., 22 VIII 2015, 1♂, leg. WTS.

This species is only distributed in northern Asia, where its range is from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean including Japan and in the south, it reaches northern Mongolia and China (Cherepanov 1990a). Its flight period lasts from the end of May to the third week of August. After mating, the females lay eggs in the bark crevices of the stumps and trunks of various standing coniferous trees. The life cycle of this species usually lasts two years with pupation in spring and early summer (Cherepanov 1990a).

Although it is one of the most common anthophilous species in Mongolia, it is distributed exclusively in the northern part of the country. The species is rather variable regarding the colour of the elytra, which ranges from brownish yellow to black. Entirely black specimens of A. sequensi might be confused with Anastrangalia renardi (Gebler, 1848), which differs mainly in its more parallel-sided elytra and their outer angles that are rounded.

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa, dark taiga (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 4♂♂, 3♀♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW; 05 VIII 2015, 1♀ on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. LK.

This ordinary Palaearctic species is distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean (Danilevsky 2017a), where it mainly inhabits mountain and taiga zones. Lepturobosca virens is ecologically related with coniferous trees (Pinus, Picea, Abies) but it is also known from Betula (Danilevskaya et al. 2009). The species is very abundant locally (e.g., Siberia) (Cherepanov 1990a).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 1♀, leg. MW.

The species is distributed in northern Asia eastwards from about Baikal Lake to the Pacific Ocean. According to Danilevsky (2014a), all records for Altay and Tuva were connected with misidentifications of Pachytodes bottcheri (Pic, 1911). The southern edge of its occurrence reaches the forest areas of northern Mongolia, China, and Korea (Cherepanov 1990a, Danilevsky 2017a). Pachytodes longipes is probably a polyphagous species, which usually inhabits the basal zones of deciduous wood species. The larvae develop in rotten wood around and in roots. Adults were found from July to August. The species is characterised by the highly variable colour of the elytra (Cherepanov 1990a).

The species was recorded in Mongolia by Lobanov et al. (1981), but with no specific locality data (Danilevsky 2017b). It is well known from Töv and Arkhangai Aimags (Danilevsky 2014a). Recently, one specimen of this species was also collected by Müller et al. (2013) in the West Khentey region.

A single specimen was caught flying in the light taiga habitat next to a river (Fig. 6F). Our finding confirms its presence in this region.

Khentii Aimag: 40 km NE of Baganuur (47°51'N, 108°54'E), 1612 m a.s.l., 22 VIII 2015, 4 larvae, Larix sibirica, leg. LK, WTS.

Oedecnema gebleri is distributed from Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Russia) to the Pacific Ocean (Danilevsky 2017a). Its polyphagous larvae develop in the basal zones of dead trees and in the stumps of both deciduous and coniferous species. Pupation occurs in the wood or in the soil. The life cycle usually lasts two or three years. The adults feed on various flowers from the end of May to August (Švácha and Danilevsky 1989, Cherepanov 1990a).

The larvae (Fig. 6G) were found at ground level in the basal zones of thin larches Larix sibirica in the forest steppe (Fig. 6H). It is a rather common species in the Mongolian taiga and forest steppe.

Selenge Aimag: 25 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°04'N, 106°49'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 01 VIII 2015, 1♂, 1♀, dead imagines, Populus tremula, leg. LK.

The species is distributed from northern and eastern Europe through Siberia, northern China, Mongolia, the Korean peninsula, and Sakhalin to Japan (Danilevsky 2017a). In Europe, this species is strictly protected by European law. Although Macroleptura thoracica is mostly polyphagous on deciduous trees (Švácha and Danilevsky 1989, Sama 2002), it was also observed on the fir Abies sp. in Japan (Sama 2002). The species inhabits the dead, rotten wood of thick trunks. The adults fly from June to August and usually stay on their host plants; they rarely visit flowers (Sama 2002). In Mongolia, this is rare species that is not numerous (e.g., Namhaidorzh 1972, 1976a).

The remains of two specimens were found deep in the wood of the trunk of the stately poplar Populus tremula together with numerous larval feeding grounds. This primeval forest relict species, which is very rare in Europe, appears to be rather numerous in this region. This indicates the high degree of the naturalness of the Mongolian habitats.

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 1♂, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW.

Leptura aethiops occurs in almost the entire Palaearctic region from France to Japan (Sama 2002, Danilevsky 2017a). The species has a broad spectrum of host plants. The larvae usually develop in the stumps of dead deciduous trees but they have occasionally been found in conifers (Švácha and Danilevsky 1989, Sama 2002).

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 1♂, on Filipendula palmata, leg. MW; 2♂♂, 2♀♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW; 4♂♂, 1♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. WTS; 2♂♂, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. LK; 35 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°59'N, 106°55'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♀, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. LK.

This species is widely distributed from Europe, where it is considered to be a montane subalpine species, to the Pacific Ocean, including Mongolia, China, and the Korean peninsula. A closely related species Leptura mimica Bates, 1884 is endemic to Japan and Sakhalin Islands. Its divergence has been confirmed in both morphological and genetic studies (Makihara and Saito 1985, Makihara et al. 1991, Saito et al. 2002, Rossa et al. 2017). The biology of L. annularis is similar to that of the previously described species (Švácha and Danilevsky 1989).

Töv Aimag: 70 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (47°57'N, 107°49'E), 1833 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015, 1♂, on Seseli condensatum, leg. MW; Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 8 larvae, Betula platyphylla, leg. LK, MW, and WTS.

This is a temperate Palaearctic species that is distributed from north-eastern Europe to the Far East (Švácha and Danilevsky 1989, Sama 2002). Moreover, the subspecies L. nigripes rufipennis is known to occur in the easternmost part of its territory from East Siberia and Kazakhstan to the Far East (Danilevsky 2017a).

In Mongolia, it is a quite common species, especially in stands having a large share of birch trees (e.g., Namhaidorzh 1972, Cherepanov 1990a, Müller et al. 2013), which is the main preferred host plant species. The development of the larvae takes place in trunks, branches, and decaying stumps. The adults fly from May to August and feed on the flowers of various species (Cherepanov 1990a, Sama 2002).

A single male was observed on flowers in the forest steppe (Fig. 7A). The larvae (Fig. 7B) were found in the rotten stumps of the birch Betula platyphylla in their basal zones in the light taiga (Fig. 7C). Like L. thoracica, this species, which is very rare in Europe, seems to be rather common in pristine local habitats of both Mongolian taiga and forest steppe.

Selenge Aimag: 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, 3♂♂, 2♀♀, on Achillea asiatica, leg. MW; 1♂, on Chamaenerion angustifolium, leg. MW; 1♀, on Achillea asiatica, leg. WTS.

This is a species that is very common and widespread throughout Europe and the Palaearctic part of Asia (Danilevsky 2017a). It is a polyphagous species, whose larvae feed on the decaying wood of stumps or branches of both deciduous and coniferous trees (Sama 2002).

Töv Aimag: 75 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°10'N, 107°55'E), 1589 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015 (22 II 2016, ex cult), 1♀, from Larix sibirica, leg. MW.

Figure 2. 

Photos of longhorn beetles specimens collected during the expedition to Mongolia in 2015: A Clytus arietoides (female) B Xylotrechus hircus (male) C X. hircus (female) D Eodorcadion humerale impluviatum (male) E E. humerale impluviatum (female) F E. humerale impluviatum (male, Khentey Mountains) G E. humerale impluviatum (female, Khentey Mountains) H Eodorcadion carinatum involvens (male) I E. carinatum involvens (female).

This oriental species is distributed widely from the Urals to Sakhalin and Japan (Sama 2002, Danilevsky 2017a). It is ecologically associated with coniferous forests. The larvae develop in dead or drying trunks and twigs of various conifers, especially larches. After two years, the larvae pupate in wood during summer and the imagines emerge the next spring. The adults fly from May to August and, during the mating season, they stay on their host plants and occasionally visit flowers (Švácha and Danilevsky 1988, Cherepanov 1990b).

In Mongolia, the species is also known, inter alia, from Khovd Aimag (Heyrovský 1969).

One female was reared from a branch of a fallen larch Larix sibirica collected in the forest steppe (Fig. 7D). The same material was inhabited by larvae of Monochamus impluviatus (Motschulsky, 1859) and M. sutor (Linnaeus, 1758).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015 (24 III 2016, ex cult), 1♂, from Betula platyphylla, leg. MW; (09 III 2016, ex cult), 1♀, from Betula platyphylla, leg. WTS.

Xylotrechus hircus occurs exclusively in Northern Asia from Altai to Japan (Cherepanov 1990b, Danilevsky 2017a). The species is ecologically associated with birch, which is the only known host plant to date. The larvae initially live under the bark and then in the wood where they pupate after about two years of development. The imagines are usually active from June to July (Cherepanov 1990b).

This is a rather infrequent taxon in Mongolia and is absent in most of the papers about this region. Recently, two specimens of this species were collected in the West Khentey region (Müller et al. 2013).

One male (Fig. 2B) and one female (Fig. 2C) were reared from the top part of a broken trunk of the birch Betula platyphylla (approx. 10 cm in diameter) (Fig. 7E) found in the light taiga habitat (Fig. 7F). The same material was additionally inhabited by larvae of Aegomorphus obscurior (Pic, 1904), Saperda scalaris (Linnaeus, 1758) and Mesosa myops (Dalman, 1817).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 1 larva, Salix sp., leg. LK.

This species is widespread in the Palaearctic region and is distributed from western Europe to the Far East (Danilevsky 2017a). It is monophagous on Salix (S. caprea in Europe and S. fragilis, S. sibirica and S. xerophila in Siberia). The larvae develop in healthy or weakened trunks and branches, where they feed deep in the wood. Adults can be found on their host plants from June to August (Cherepanov 1990b, Sama 2002).

A single larva (Fig. 7G) was found deep in the wood of a standing willow trunk Salix sp. (Fig. 7H) in the light taiga next to a river.

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 20 larvae, Malus baccata and Prunus padus, leg. LK, MW and WTS; 40 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°57'N, 107°05'E), 1270 m a.s.l., 04 VIII 2015, several larvae, (09 II 2016, ex cult), 1♂, from Salix sp., leg. WTS.

This species is distributed from Kazakhstan to the Far East, including northern Mongolia, China, and the Korean peninsula (Danilevsky 2017a). This forest species inhabits small diameter shoots and twigs of various deciduous plant species. Its life cycle lasts about three years. The imagines fly from May to June and frequently visit flowers (Švácha and Danilevsky 1988, Cherepanov 1990b).

It seems to be a rather numerous taxon in the Mongolian taiga. Several dozen larvae (Fig. 8A) were frequently found in shoots and twigs of three deciduous plant species, Malus baccata (Fig. 8B), Prunus padus (Fig. 8C) and Salix sp. (Fig. 8D), in both light and dark taiga. The larvae which were found in Malus wood were definitely more yellowish (Fig. 8E). In this area, fifteen specimens of A. altajensis were collected by Müller et al. (2013).

Govi-Altai Aimag: 20 km E of Sain-Ust (47°22'N, 94°42'E), 1646 m a.s.l., 12–13 VIII 2015, several larvae, Caragana bungei, leg. LK, MW; Övörkhangai Aimag: 10 km W of Baruunbayan-Ulaan (45°08'N, 101°14'E), 1264 m a.s.l., 18 VIII 2015, several larvae and remains of one imago, Caragana leucophloea, leg. LK, MW.

Anoplistes halodendri is an east-Palaearctic species that is distributed from the Balkans to the Russian Far East, China, Korea and Japan (Danilevskaya et al. 2009). Within its range, it was divided into seven subspecies (Danilevsky 2017a): A. h. balcanicus Sláma, 2010, A. h. ephippium (Steven & Dalman, 1817), A. h. halodendri (Pallas, 1773), A. h. heptapotamicus (Semenov, 1926), A. h. kasatkini Lazarev, 2014, A. h. minutus Hammarström, 1892 and A. h. pirus (Arakawa, 1932). The species is ecologically associated with deciduous trees and shrubs (e.g., Acacia, Daphne mezereum, Quercus) in the steppe and forest-steppe habitats. Adults begin emerging in July (Cherepanov 1990b).

The larvae (Fig. 8F, G) collected in the first locality (Fig. 8H) in stems of Caragana bungei (Fig. 9A) clearly belong to the genus Anoplistes, but the exact species could not be identified with certainty. They are preliminarily classified in this taxon since it is the most common Anoplistes species in the country. Moreover, minutus is the only subspecies of A. halodendri that occurs in Mongolia. It was already recorded from this Province by Heyrovský (1969) and additionally from Khovd and Ömnögovi Aimags (Heyrovský 1965, 1969). It is worth noting that one of the larvae among this material belongs to the tribe Clytini, most probably to the genus Chlorophorus.

Regarding the second locality (Fig. 9B), several larvae were found together with the remains of a single male imago in stems of Caragana leucophloea. In both cases, the larval feeding grounds (Fig. 9C) were located from a few centimetres below to approx. 10 cm above ground level. Most of the emergence holes (Fig. 9D) of the adults were found on stems approx. a few centimetres above ground level. Both research plots are located in semi-desert habitats.

Apart from Anoplistes halodendri minutus, four other species of this genus were already recorded for Mongolia: A. gobiensis Namkhaidorzh, 1973, A. kozlovi Semenov & Znoiko, 1934, A. mongolicus mongolicus Ganglbauer, 1889 and A. tuvensis Tsherepanov, 1978 (Danilevsky 2017a). Anoplistes tuvensis is distributed exclusively in the region of the Tuva basin and it is ecologically associated with Nanophyton erinaceum (Cherepanov 1990b). Anoplistes kozlovi was recorded, inter alia, from Dundgovi, Ömnögovi and Govi-Altai Aimags (Heyrovský 1965, 1968) and A. mongolicus from Khovd, Govi-Altai, Ömnögovi, Bayankhongor and Dundgovi Aimags (Heyrovský 1968, 1970). However, taxonomy, distribution (especially in the Mongolia and China region) and biology of most of the species in this genus need to be thoroughly studied and revised.

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015 (10 IX 2016, ex cult), 1♂, from Betula platyphylla, leg. WTS.

Aegomorphus obscurior was recently raised to the species level by Hilszczański (2008). After the revision of specimens, it is known to be broadly distributed in Russia and in the Siberian part of Kazakhstan (Danilevsky and Shapovalov 2007) as well as in Mongolia (Hilszczański 2008). In Europe, it reaches Latvia (Telnov 2016) and eastern Poland (Hilszczański 2008, Danilevsky 2017a). The species was recently included in the Mongolian fauna (Hilszczański 2008) based on four specimens that were collected 30 km north of Batsumber by B. Burakowski and H. Szelęgiewicz in 1963. The larvae feed on dead trees or dead parts of living trees of their host plants: Quercus robur (Hilszczański and Bystrowski 2005), Betula sp. and Alnus sp. (Danilevsky and Shapovalov 2007). The life cycle lasts two years. The adults are active from the second half of May (Hilszczański and Bystrowski 2005).

A single male was reared from the top part of a broken trunk of the birch Betula platyphylla (approx. 10 cm in diameter) (Fig. 7E) that was found in the light taiga habitat (Fig. 7F). The same material was additionally inhabited by larvae of Xylotrechus hircus, Saperda scalaris, and Mesosa myops. Our findings constitute the second record of this species from Mongolia.

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 03 VIII 2015, 1 larva, Salix sp., leg. LK.

Saperda similis is a rather rare but widespread species that is distributed from Europe to the Far East (Danilevsky 2017a). Although this species is ecologically associated with willows (Cherepanov 1991b), according to Sama (2002), it is probably monophagous on Salix caprea. The larvae develop in thin stems and branches of willows that are still growing (Cherepanov 1991b). The adults are active at dusk and during the night in June and July and can be found on their host plants (Sama 2002).

A single larva in a pupal cell (Fig. 9E) was found in the trunk of a recently dead willow Salix sp. in the light taiga next to a river (Fig. 9F).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 2 larvae, Betula platyphylla, leg. LK.

Saperda scalaris hieroglyphica is distributed from European Russia to the Far East (Danilevsky 2017a). This subspecies is sometimes recognised as a synonym of the nominotypical subspecies (e.g., Sama 2002) from which it differs only by its whitish not yellowish pubescence. In Asia, this polyphagous species is ecologically more associated with birch (Cherepanov 1991b).

Two larvae (Fig. 9G), which were boring in a thick layer of cambium in a broken trunk of Betula platyphylla (of diameter approx. 20 cm), were found under the bark (Fig. 9H) in the light taiga habitat (Fig. 7F). The same material was additionally inhabited by Xylotrechus hircus, Aegomorphus obscurior and Mesosa myops in their immature stages.

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 03 VIII 2015, 1 larva, Salix sp., leg. LK.

This East-Asian species is distributed from western Siberia throughout north Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China as well as to the Far East and Japan (Danilevsky 2017a). The larvae develop under bark that has recently died and in the wood of certain deciduous plants, e.g., Populus, Salix, Chosenia. They pupate in sapwood or under or inside the bark. The imagines are active from early June to mid-August and can be found on their host plants or they are sometimes attracted to artificial light sources (Cherepanov 1991b, Danilevskaya et al. 2009).

A single early larval instar was found under the bark of a broken trunk of willow Salix sp. in the light taiga. A large number of this species was collected in this area by Müller et al. (2013).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, 2♂♂, leg. MW.

Agapanthia pilicornis pilicornis is distributed in the Ussuri-Primor’e region, Trans-Baikal, Sakhalin, northern Mongolia, northeast China, Korean peninsula, and Japan (Cherepanov 1991a). The second subspecies, A. pilicornis laushanensis Breuning, 1965, is known exclusively from two Chinese provinces: Henan and Shāndōng (Danilevsky 2017a). Little is known about the biology of this species. The imagines are active in June and July, but the life cycle and the preimaginal stages are not clearly understood (Cherepanov 1991a). This species is quite similar to Agapanthia amurensis Kraatz, 1879; however, it can be easily distinguished inter alia by variegated antennae and darker body colour.

This is a rather infrequent taxon in Mongolia and is absent in most of the papers about this region (e.g., Heyrovský 1964–1975). The only records of approx. ten specimens, collected from the second half of June to mid-July, are included in the work of Namhaidorzh (1972).

Our finding extends the known period of occurrence of this species to the beginning of August. Two males were collected in the light taiga habitat (Fig. 7C) by sweep-netting method.

Töv Aimag: 60 km E of Ulaanbaatar (47°52'N, 107°39'E), 1499 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015, 29♂♂, 13♀♀ (5♀♀ white pubescence form (Fig. 10C)), leg. MW; 20♂♂, 8♀♀ (2♀♀ white pubescence form), leg. WTS; 11♂♂, 10♀♀ (4♀♀ white pubescence form), leg. LK; 80 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°13'N, 107°43'E), 1778 m a.s.l., 31 VII 2015, 3♂♂, 2♀♀, leg. MW; 1♂, 1♀, leg. WTS; 1♂, leg. LK; Selenge Aimag: 10 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°54'N, 106°43'E), 999 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♂, 1♀, leg. LK; 2♂♂, leg. MW; 2♂♂, 2♀♀, leg. WTS; 5 km E of Zuunkharaa (48°51'N, 106°36'E), 916 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♂, 1♀, leg. WTS; 5 km W of Khötöl [Хөтөл] (49°05'N, 105°29'E), 809 m a.s.l., 06 VIII 2015, 1♂, 1♀, leg. LK; 1♂, leg. WTS; Arkhangai Aimag: 15 km S of Khairkhan (48°22'N, 101°52'E), 1437 m a.s.l., 07 VIII 2015, 1♂, leg. LK; 5 km E of Khairkhan (48°37'N, 102°01'E), 1398 m a.s.l., 07 VIII 2015, 1♀ (white pubescence form), leg. WTS.

Eodorcadion carinatum involvens is one of the five subspecies that have already been described; they are distributed from the Jenisei River to the Far East. This taxon is the most common and widespread in the northern and central parts of Mongolia where it has been recorded from many localities; to the south, it reaches the Mongolian and Gobi Altai Mountains. The imagines are active from the end of June to August (Namhaidorzh 1972, Danilevsky 2007).

We observed a mass occurrence of this species (more than one hundred specimens) approx. 60 km E of Ulaanbaatar during moderately warm (22 °C) and cloudy weather conditions in the steppe habitat (Fig. 10D) at the turn of July and August. Most of the specimens were found in the interstices of the grass where they were mating. Single specimens were walking slowly. Some specimens were also found at a higher elevation (1778 m a.s.l) on xerothermic mountain slopes (Fig. 10E) sympatrically with Eodorcadion humerale impluviatum (Faldermann, 1833) and Monochamus impluviatus impluviatus (Motschulsky, 1859). Another plot, which was located approx. 15 km S of Khairkhan (48°22'N, 101°52'E), turned out to be the most westward locality of this taxon towards the city of Altai. Towards the Khangai Mountains, we did not find any further individuals despite checking numerous plots.

Khovd Aimag: 20 km NW of Zereg (47°23'N, 92°28'E), 1158 m a.s.l., 14 VIII 2015, 10♂♂, 2♀ (1♀ dead – remains), leg. LK; 21♂♂, leg. MW; 14♂♂, leg. WTS.

Figure 3. 

Photos of longhorn beetles specimens collected during the expedition to Mongolia in 2015: A Eodorcadion consentaneum (male) B E. consentaneum (female, black form) C E. consentaneum (female, striped form) D Eodorcadion dorcas scabrosum (male) E E. dorcas scabrosum (female, black form) F E. dorcas scabrosum (female, striped form) G Eodorcadion dorcas dorcas (male) H E. dorcas dorcas (female) I Eodorcadion maurum australe (male).

Figure 4. 

Photos of longhorn beetles specimens collected during the expedition to Mongolia in 2015: A Eodorcadion maurum australe (female) B Eodorcadion oryx (male) C E. oryx (female) D Eodorcadion exaratum argali (male) E E. exaratum argali (female) F Eodorcadion intermedium intermedium (male, reddish form) G E. intermedium intermedium (male, intermediate form) H E. intermedium intermedium (male, blackish form) I E. intermedium intermedium (female, reddish form).

This is a recently described subspecies that is distributed in the northern and central parts of Khovd Aimag. All previously known specimens were collected from end of June to July (Danilevsky 2014b). Two other taxa occur in Mongolia: E. m. katharinae Reitter, 1898 and E. m. maurum Jakovlev, 1889 (Danilevsky 2017c).

Before noon, during rather windy and cold weather, nearly 50 individuals were observed on the border of tall and short grass meadows (Fig. 10H). The population was dominated by males (Fig. 10F); the only living female (Fig. 10G) was collected in the afternoon at the end of our stay at this locality. The males behaved rather apathetically, hiding and still drying from the morning dew in the grass. The females are likely to have been more active later than males when the weather conditions had improved. The remains of approx. ten males and one female were also found in the grass.

Figure 5. 

Photos of longhorn beetles specimens collected during the expedition to Mongolia in 2015: A Aegomorphus obscurior (male) B Mesosa myops (male) C M. myops (female) D Monochamus impluviatus impluviatus (male) E M. impluviatus impluviatus (female) F Monochamus sutor longulus (female) G Monochamus sartor urussovii (male) H Agapanthia pilicornis pilicornis (male).

Figure 6. 

Field photos of imagines in nature, immature stages and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A spruces, firs and birches in dark taiga, the habitat of Pachyta lamed, P. quadrimaculata and Lepturobosca virens B site with fireweed Chamaenerion angustifolium in dark taiga, the habitat of several anthopilous species e.g., Gaurotes virginea aemula, Stictoleptura variicornis C male of S. variicornis on Filipendula palmata D males of Anastrangalia sequensi on Seseli condensatum E larches in forest steppe, the habitat of A. sequensi F riverbank in light taiga, the habitat of Pachytodes longipes G larva of Oedecnema gebleri in larch wood H burned larches in forest steppe, the habitat of O. gebleri and A. sequensi.

Figure 7. 

Field photos of immature stages and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A larches in forest steppe, the habitat of Lepturalia nigripes rufipennis B larva of L. nigripes in a birch stump C site in light taiga, the habitat of L. nigripes rufipennis and Agapanthia pilicornis pilicornis D site in forest steppe, the habitat of Clytus arietoides, Monochamus impluviatus impluviatus and M. sutor longulus E broken trunk of the birch in light taiga, the microhabitat of inter alia Xylotrechus hircus and Aegomorphus obscurior F birches in light taiga, the habitat of X. hircus, A. obscurior, Saperda scalaris hieroglyphica and Mesosa myops G larva of Xylotrechus pantherinus H larva of X. pantherinus deep in the wood of a standing willow trunk.

Figure 8. 

Field photos of immature stages and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A larva of Amarysius altajensis in a bird cherry branch B site with young Siberian crab apple trees in light taiga, the habitat of A. altajensis C dead branches of bird cherry in light taiga, the microhabitat of A. altajensis D willow bushes in dark taiga, the habitat of A. altajensis E yellowish larva of A. altajensis found in a Siberian crab apple branch F Anoplistes larva in its feeding ground in a stem of Caragana bungei G larva of Anoplistes from C. bungei (detailed view) H C. bungei shrubs in semi-desert, the habitat of Anoplistes sp.

Figure 9. 

Field photos of immature stages and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A shrub of Caragana bungei, the host plant of Anoplistes and Chlorophorus species B Caragana leucophloea shrubs in semi-desert, the habitat of Anoplistes halodendri minutus C cross-section of larval feeding grounds of Anoplistes halodendri in Caragana stem D adults emergence holes of Anoplistes halodendri E larva of Saperda similis in its pupal cell F riverbank in light taiga, the habitat of S. similis G larva of Saperda scalaris H thick layer of cambium under the bark of broken birch trunk, the microhabitat of S. scalaris and Mesosa myops.

Figure 10. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A male of Eodorcadion carinatum involvens B female of E. carinatum involvens C female of E. carinatum involvens (white pubescence form) D steppe in Ulaanbaatar environs, the habitat of E. carinatum involvens E xerothermic mountain slopes, the habitat of E. carinatum involvens and Eodorcadion humerale impluviatum F male of Eodorcadion maurum australe G female of E. maurum australe H short grass meadow in Zereg environs, the habitat of E. maurum australe.

Govi-Altai Aimag: 20 km SSW of Bayan-Uul (46°51'N, 95°07'E), 1878 m a.s.l., 11 VIII 2015, 1♂, 2♀♀, leg. MW; 4♂♂, leg. LK.

This taxon is endemic to Mongolia and is distributed from the Khovd environs to the west and the southern parts Zavkhan Aimag and then to the northern part of Gobi-Altai Aimag (Danilevsky 2007).

Only a few specimens were collected in the late afternoon in a small enclave (Fig. 11B) with high tufts of grass Achnatherum splendens (Fig. 11C) during rather cold (22 °C), cloudy and windy weather. The males (Fig. 11A) were rather mobile, running and trying to hide in the tufts of grass. In this locality, the remains of several imagines were found (Fig. 11D).

Figure 11. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A male of Eodorcadion dorcas dorcas B small enclave with high tufts of grass, the habitat of E. dorcas dorcas C tuft of needlegrass Achnatherum splendens, the possible host plant of larvae of E. dorcas dorcas D remains of a female of E. dorcas dorcas E male of Eodorcadion dorcas scabrosum F female of E. dorcas scabrosum during eating a blade of Iris tenuifolia G pair of E. dorcas scabrosum in copula on I. tenuifolia H attempt to mate while laying eggs by a female of E. dorcas scabrosum in the roots of I. tenuifolia.

Govi-Altai Aimag: 3 km E of Khukhmorit [Хөхморьт] (47°21'N, 94°33'E), 1470 m a.s.l., 13 VIII 2015, 31♂♂, 19♀♀ (12♀♀ striped form, 7♀♀ black form), leg. MW; 29♂♂, 8♀♀ (3♀♀ striped form, 5♀♀ black form), leg. WTS; 19♂♂, 8♀♀ (4♀♀ striped form, 4♀♀ black form), leg. LK.

The taxon is endemic to Mongolia; all hitherto known specimens were collected in the Khukhmorit environs (Danilevsky 2007).

All of the specimens were collected from one plot in a semi-desert habitat (Fig. 12A, B) with very poor vegetation. The most common plant species on the plot was Iris tenuifolia (Fig. 12C), and therefore, it can be possibly the host plant of the larvae. Moreover, we have observed the females eating the leaf blades of irises (Fig. 11F, G) as well as apparently laying the eggs in their roots (Fig. 11F, H). During a hot (25 °C) and sunny evening, we observed plenty of incredibly active individuals (more than two hundred), whose males (Fig. 11E) were quickly moving on the sand. The females were mainly hiding in the tufts of irises and moved only occasionally. The population was dominated by males (ratio of approx. 3:1) and most of the observed females were copulating (Fig. 11G, H). This was probably the climax of the appearance of this species. It is worth noting that we have never observed any of the Dorcadionini species in such a barren desert habitat.

Figure 12. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A semi-desert in Khukhmorit environs, the habitat of Eodorcadion dorcas scabrosum B detailed view of the habitat of E. dorcas scabrosum C tuft of perennial Iris tenuifolia, the most likely host plant of larvae of E. dorcas scabrosum D male of Eodorcadion consentaneum E female of E. consentaneum (black form) F female of E. consentaneum (striped form) G pair of E. consentaneum in copulaH periphery of a drying lake with a sandy substrate and tufts of high grass, the habitat of E. consentaneum.

Govi-Altai Aimag: 10 km NW of Biger [Бигэр] (45°47'N, 97°02'E), 1331 m a.s.l., 15 VIII 2015, 29♂♂, 35♀♀ (18♀♀ striped form, 17♀♀ black form), leg. MW; 24♂♂, 15♀♀ (6♀♀ striped form, 9♀♀ black form), leg. LK; 32♂♂, 25♀♀ (13♀♀ striped form, 12♀♀ black form), leg. WTS; 30 km NW of Biger [Бигэр] (45°50'N, 96°45'E), 1688 m a.s.l., 15 VIII 2015, body remains, leg. LK, WTS.

This is an endemic Mongolian species with its known distribution limited to a few localities in the northeastern part of Gobi-Altaj Aimag and southern Khovd Aimag. The imagines are active in July and August (Danilevsky 2007).

In the late evening (around 5–7 p.m.), despite the quite cold (15 °C) and cloudy weather with extremely gusty winds, we observed plenty (more than two hundred) of imagines that were rather active. Most of the observed specimens were mating (Fig. 12G); the ratio of males (Fig. 12D) and females was approximately equal. This was probably the climax of the appearance of this species. This was also confirmed by the very small number of dead individuals that have been found in the locality. Among the females, the black forms dominated (Fig. 12E) over the striped ones (Fig. 12F). The species inhabits the periphery of a drying lake with a sandy substrate and tufts of high grass growing out of ground elevations (Fig. 12H). The dominant plant species on the plot was Achnatherum splendens (Fig. 13A) and it is most probably the host plant of the larvae. Numerous emergence holes of the beetles were also observed in the sand (Fig. 13B).

Figure 13. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A tuft of needlegrass Achnatherum splendens, the possible host plant of larvae of Eodorcadion consentaneum B adults emergence holes of E. consentaneum in the sand C male of Eodorcadion intermedium intermedium (reddish form) D male of Eodorcadion intermedium intermedium (blackish form) E female of E. intermedium intermedium (reddish form) F pair of E. intermedium intermedium in copulaG steppe in Baruunbayan-Ulaan environs, one of the habitat types of E. intermedium intermedium H semi-desert in Bogd environs, one of the habitat types of E. intermedium intermedium.

Our own observations indicate that the species of the genus Eodorcadion seem to be more resistant to difficult weather conditions compared to other Dorcadionini. However, in the case of this taxon, although these conditions were extremely difficult, they apparently did not disturb the functioning and copulation of the beetles.

Bayankhongor Aimag: 35 km SE of Bumbugur [Бөмбөгөр] (45°59'N, 99°50'E), 1598 m a.s.l., 16 VIII 2015, 3♂♂, 1♀ (including dead specimens), leg. MW; 1♀ (dead), leg. LK; 20 km NEE of Bogd [Богд] (45°17'N, 101°02'E), 1298 m a.s.l., 17 VIII 2015, 9♂♂, 3♀♀ (including dead specimens), leg. MW; 3♂♂, 2♀♀, leg. WTS; 7♂♂, 1♀ (including dead specimens; all with reddish antenna), leg. LK; 20 km SE of Bogd [Богд] (45°05'N, 101°08'E), 1263 m a.s.l., 18 VIII 2015, 1 dead imago, leg. LK; Övörkhangai Aimag: 10 km W of Baruunbayan-Ulaan [Баруунбаян-Улаан] (45°08'N, 101°14'E), 1264 m a.s.l., 18 VIII 2015, 2♂♂, leg. WTS; 5 km W of Baruunbayan-Ulaan [Баруунбаян-Улаан] (45°10'N, 101°17'E), 1266 m a.s.l., 18 VIII 2015, 11♂♂, 12♀♀, leg. MW; 4♂♂, 2♀♀ (specimens with black antenna (Fig. 13D)), leg. WTS; 4♂♂, 2♀♀ (most specimens with black antenna), leg. LK.

The species is widespread in the southern parts of Mongolia, where it is divided into two subspecies. The nominative subspecies is distributed in the western part of its range, where it occurs in many localities mainly in Bayankhongor and Gobi-Altaj Aimags. According to Danilevsky (2007), this taxon is characterised by a great deal of individual and geographical variability. We also observed elytral stripes – similar to E. intermedium kozlovi (Suvorov 1912) – and antennal colour variations, even in the case of specimens that were collected from the same locality. The species seems to have the ability to adapt to a wide range of ecological conditions; we observed it in various localities in high-grass enclaves, steppe and semi-desert habitats (Fig. 13G, H). The males (Fig. 13C) were primarily collected at different times of the day during rather cloudy (occasional shower) and cold (15-20 °C) weather; only a few pairs were copulating (Fig. 13F). Many specimens were already dead, which indicates the end of the appearance of this species. According to Danilevsky (2007), E. intermedium is ecologically associated with Lasiagrostis. At one of the localities, we found the remains of imago in a bird’s pellet (Fig. 14A).

Figure 14. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A remains of imago of Eodorcadion intermedium intermedium in a bird’s pellet B male of Eodorcadion oryx C female of E. oryx D periphery of a drying lake with a mix of high and low grass, the habitat of E. oryx and Eodorcadion humerale impluviatum E detailed view of the habitat of E. oryx and E. humerale impluviatum F female of Eodorcadion exaratum argali G female of E. exaratum argali under cow dung H pasture with low grass and herbs in Ulaanshiveet environs, the habitat of E. exaratum argali.

Bayankhongor Aimag: 10 km S of Khairkhandulaan [Хайрхандулаан] (45°48'N, 101°59'E), 1748 m a.s.l., 18 VIII 2015, 1♂; 19 VIII 2015, 13♂♂, 2♀♀, leg. LK; 16♂♂, 6♀♀, leg. MW; 7♂♂, 2♀♀, leg. WTS.

Eodorcadion oryx is an endemic Mongolian species that is distributed in the south-western part of the country. It is a species that has very rarely been collected and there are records from only two known localities to date (Danilevsky 2007).

In the investigated locality, the species inhabits the periphery of a drying lake that has a mix of high and low grass (Fig. 14D, E). We collected most of the specimens before noon (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) during sunny weather. Although the population was dominated by males (Fig. 14B), females (Fig. 14C) probably began to come out of hiding a little later. The day before, in the late evening, only lifeless imagines were observed, i.e., freshly dead female at the front of a rodent hole.

Bulgan Aimag, 20 km N of Ulaanshiveet, (47°37'N, 103°51'E), 1108 m a.s.l.; 19 VIII 2015: 6♂♂, 3♀♀, leg. MW; 3♂♂, 4♀♀, leg. WTS; 1♂, 4♀♀, leg. LK.

This subspecies is distributed in the eastern part of Mongolia from the western boundary of Khentey Aimag to the Chinese border (Danilevsky 2007).

The adults are active at the turn of July and August. Danilevsky (2007) observed imagines of this species feeding on Caragana stems. This shrub has not been found in the presented locality.

In the late evening hours (about 8–9 p.m.), the specimens were collected during slightly windy weather from a habitat (pasture) that was mainly covered with low grass and herbs (Fig. 14H). In this locality, most of the beetles were hidden under rocks and cow dung (Fig. 14G).

Töv Aimag: 80 km NE of Ulaanbaatar [Улаанбаатар] (48°13'N, 107°43'E), 1778 m a.s.l., 31 VII 2015, 17♂♂, 7♀♀, leg. MW; 9♂♂, 4♀♀, leg. LK; 11♂♂, 1♀, leg. WTS (exclusively smaller and darker forms); Bayankhongor Aimag: 35 km SE of Bumbugur [Бөмбөгөр] (45°59'N, 99°50'E), 1598 m a.s.l., 16 VIII 2015, 9♂♂, 7♀♀, leg. MW; 4♂♂ (including 3 dead specimens), leg. WTS; 3♂♂, 1♀, leg. LK (exclusively yellow coloured forms); 33 km S of Nariinteel [Нарийнтээл]; (45°39'N, 101°22'E), 1626 m a.s.l., 17 VIII 2015, 1♂ (dead specimen), leg. MW; 1♀ (dead specimen), leg. LK; 10 km S of Khairkhandulaan [Хайрхандулаан] (45°48'N, 101°59'E), 1748 m a.s.l., 18–19 VIII 2015, 2♂♂, leg. LK; 1♂, leg. MW; 1♂, leg. WTS.

This widespread species, which contains three subspecies, is distributed in Russia from Transbaikalia to the Pacific Ocean in the Primorsky region, in the central and north-eastern parts of Mongolia and in north-eastern China. Eodorcadion humerale humerale is limited to the territory of Mongolia, where it has many known localities in the areas of Bayankhongor Aimag and Ulaanbaatar (Danilevsky 2007).

This taxon was observed sympatrically with other Eodorcadion species, i.e., E. intermedium and E. oryx, in steppe habitats (Fig. 14D) that had tufts of high grass (inter alia Achnatherum splendens). In addition to the typical form (Fig. 15A), that was collected in most of the presented localities, in the Khentey Mountains, we found a specific population characterised by a definitely smaller body size and by elytra covered with fewer white spots of hairs (sometimes almost completely black) (Fig. 15B–D). This population inhabits a xerothermic slope with a rich plant community on the edge of a larch woodlot in a forest-steppe habitat (Figs 10E, 15E). During rather cloudy weather before a storm, some specimens were still active and copulating (Fig. 15D) in the afternoon hours (about 1 p.m.). On the same plot, we also observed approximately ten specimens of E. carinatum involvens and one female of Monochamus impluviatus impluviatus. Due to the considerable dissimilarity in body size and type of biotope, this population requires further research and possibly represents a transitional form between two subspecies (E. h. impluviatum and E. h. humerale).

Figure 15. 

Field photos of imagines in nature and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A male of Eodorcadion humerale impluviatum (typical form) B male of E. humerale impluviatum (Khentey Mountains) C male of E. humerale impluviatum (Khentey Mountains, entirely black elytra form) D pair of E. humerale impluviatum in copula (Khentey Mountains) E detailed view of the habitat of E. humerale impluviatum (Khentey Mountains) F female of Monochamus impluviatus impluviatus G larches in forest steppe, the habitat of M. impluviatus impluviatus H various species of coniferous trees and birches in dark taiga, the habitat of Monochamus sartor urussovii.

Töv Aimag: 75 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°10'N, 107°55'E), 1589 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015 (1 II 2016, ex cult), 1♂, 1♀, from Larix sibirica, leg. MW; 80 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°13'N, 107°43'E), 1778 m a.s.l., 31 VII 2015, 1♀, leg. WTS.

This is a Siberian species that is distributed from Ural to the Far East, including northern Mongolia, China, and North Korea (Sama 2002, Danilevsky 2017a). Monochamus impluviatus is a comparatively rare species that feeds exclusively on larch Larix. One generation takes two years to complete. The imagines are active from June to the first half of August. The species is sometimes found sympatrically with Acanthocinus carinulatus Gebler, 1833 and Rhagium inquisitor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cherepanov 1990c).

Two specimens were also recorded from Bulgan Aimag by Heyrovský (1967a).

A single female (Fig. 15F) was found moving on the ground under a larch tree (Fig. 15G). One couple was additionally reared from a branch of a fallen Larix sibirica collected in forest steppe habitat (Fig. 7D). The same material was inhabited by larvae of Clytus arietoides and Monochamus sutor.

Töv Aimag: 75 km NE of Ulaanbaatar (48°10'N, 107°55'E), 1589 m a.s.l., 30 VII 2015 (26 II 2016, ex cult), 1♀, from Larix sibirica, leg. MW.

Monochamus sutor is a boreal montane species that is widely distributed in Europe; in Asia, it is known from Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. It is also an invasive species in North America (Danilevsky 2017a). This species is ecologically associated with various conifer trees. Its life cycle lasts from one to three years. The imagines are active from June to mid-September (Cherepanov 1990c, Kolk and Starzyk 1996).

Monochamus sutor longulus has a more eastern range compared to the nominative subspecies, and is distributed from East Siberia through northern Mongolia, China and North Korea to the Far East and Japan. It differs from the nominative form inter alia in its slightly more elongated elytra with glabrous and shining surface. According to Wallin et al. (2013), there is no difference in the male genitalia characters between the examined specimens of those two subspecies.

In Mongolia, this taxon was probably incorrectly identified in certain works (e.g., Heyrovský 1965, 1969, 1973a) and it was recorded as Monochamus sutor var. pellio (Germar, 1818), which is currently recognized as a synonym of the nominative subspecies.

One female was reared from a branch of a fallen tree of Larix sibirica collected in forest steppe habitat (Fig. 7D). The same material was inhabited by larvae of Clytus arietoides and Monochamus impluviatus.

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 03 VIII 2015, 1♂, leg. LK; several larvae, Larix sibirica leg. MW; Selenge Aimag: 35 km NE of Zuunkharaa (48°59'N, 106°55'E), 1399 m a.s.l., 05 VIII 2015, 1♂, leg. MW.

The taxonomic status of this species is uncertain. Cesari et al. (2005), Sláma (2006), and Wallin et al. (2013) considered M. urussovii to be a subspecies of Monochamus sartor (Fabricius, 1787). This taxon is widespread in Siberia and is distributed from Eastern Europe to the Far East and Japan (Danilevsky 2017a). Depending on the region, the larvae can develop in various conifers (mostly in Abies and Picea) and also sporadically on deciduous trees (Cherepanov 1990c, Wallin et al. 2013). In the Mongolian taiga, in addition to conifers, this species was found on birches (Müller et al. 2013). Its larval development usually takes two years. The imagines are active from the second half of May to the end of September (Cherepanov 1990c). Two single males were caught flying in both light and dark taiga (Fig. 15H).

Selenge Aimag: 50 km NE of Zuunkharaa (49°05'N, 107°17'E), 930 m a.s.l., 02 VIII 2015, numerous larvae and pupae, 1♂, 1♀, Betula platyphylla, leg. LK, WTS, MW; (III 2016, ex larva), 1♂, leg. MW; (02–10 VIII 2015, ex pupa), 1♂, 5♀♀, leg. WTS; (05 VIII 2015, ex pupa), 2♂♂, 1♀, leg. LK.

This species is distributed from Eastern Europe (where it reaches eastern Poland) through Siberia, including northern Mongolia and China, to the Far East and Japan (Sama 2002, Danilevsky 2017a). It is listed in the Annexes of the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and therefore, it is strictly protected in the entire European Union. However, in the centre of its range (including Mongolia), M. myops is considered to be a common species and it is often numerously found in this region (e.g., Müller et al. 2013). This species is polyphagous on a large number of deciduous trees and shrubs. Its larval development usually takes two years. The pupation of the larvae takes place in the summer. After emerging from the pupae, the adult beetles emerge from their pupal cells from July to September; afterwards they probably overwinter in leaf litter. The imagines occur throughout entire warm season from May to September (Cherepanov 1990c).

Several dozen larvae (Fig. 16B), some pupae (Fig. 16C, D) and newly emerged imagines (Fig. 16A) were observed under the bark (Fig. 9H) of rather thin broken Betula platyphylla (5–20 cm in diameter) (Fig. 16E) in the light taiga habitat (Fig. 7F) at the beginning of August. Several emergence holes of adults were also found on both branches and stems (Fig. 16F). The same material was additionally inhabited by larvae of Xylotrechus hircus, Aegomorphus obscurior and Saperda scalaris.

Figure 16. 

Field photos of imagines in nature, their immature stages and habitats of typical Mongolian cerambycid species: A newly emerged male of Mesosa myops B larva of M. myops C one of the last pupal instars of M. myops D pupa of M. myops in thick layer of cambium under the bark of broken birch trunk E broken trunk of the birch in light taiga, the microhabitat of M. myops F adults emergence holes of M. myops G Stictoleptura variicornis on Chamaenerion angustifolium H Leptura annularis on Chamaenerion angustifolium.