Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Huhu beetle

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Kingdom
  
Order
  
Coleoptera

Subfamily
  
Scientific name
  
Prionoplus reticularis

Rank
  
Species

Phylum
  
Family
  
Cerambycidae

Genus
  
Prionoplus

Higher classification
  
Prionoplus

Huhu beetle TERRAIN Taranaki Educational Resource Research Analysis

Similar
  
Prionoplus, Beetle, Insect, Longhorn beetle, Arthropod

The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found in New Zealand, a member of the longhorn beetle family (Cerambycidae).

Huhu beetle TERRAIN Taranaki Educational Resource Research Analysis

Huhu is now often used as the name for all stages of life of the beetle, but traditionally huhu was the Māori name for the larval stage, which was also known as tunga rakau or tunga haere. The whitish larvae are up to 70 millimetres (2.8 in) long and normally feed on dead wood of gymnosperms (mainly native and introduced conifers). The native host plants are all associated with lowland podocarp forest. They are edible, and are said by some to taste like buttery chicken.

Huhu beetle Don39t mess with the Huhu Gil Wizen

As the huhu reaches maturity it ceases to bore and casts its skin. This still edible stage is known in Maori as tataka. It then develops wings and legs, and while it is still white, it is known as pepe. Finally it emerges and flies off to reproduce and is known as a huhu beetle or to Maori as tunga rere. In this full adult stage it no longer eats food and only lives for approximately 2 weeks.

Huhu beetle Don39t mess with the Huhu Gil Wizen

The beetles are most active at night and are attracted by the lights of dwelling. Though not usually aggressive, huhu beetles are known to bite when mis-handled.

Huhu beetle httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Nz huhu beetle laying eggs


Huhu beetle NZ Farm Forestry Prionoplus reticularis the huhu beetle

Huhu beetle Huhu beetle Beetles Landcare Research

Huhu beetle Huhu beetle Prionoplus reticularis Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

References

Huhu beetle Wikipedia


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