A new study led by our researchers reveals that reintroduced Great Capricorn beetles (Cerambyx cerdo) in southern Sweden are capable of dispersing over surprisingly large distances. Using radio telemetry, scientists tracked 50 beetles in Tromtö Nature Reserve and found movement ranges up to 822 meters, with no significant differences in dispersal between sexes, body size, or mating status.
Key Findings:
Average movement distance was 153 meters, with a maximum of 822 meters recorded.
No significant effect of sex, body size, or mating status on movement distance or speed.
Results challenge previous assumptions of limited dispersal in C. cerdo, supporting the species’ potential to colonize new habitats.
Conservation Implications:
This research underscores the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity and suggests that conservation strategies for C. cerdo should prioritize large, connected oak-rich areas to support long-term population resilience.
Franzén, M., Jarl, N., Forsman, A., & Hedin, J. 2025. Radio telemetry reveals extensive dispersal capabilities of reintroduced Great Capricorn beetles (Cerambyx cerdo) in oak habitats at their northern range limit. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12830