Madison Varney- Eyed Longhorn Beetle - Oberea oculata

This piece highlights the Eyed Longhorn Beetle, Oberea oculata. Eyed longhorn beetles are gorgeous, distinctive beetles that play an important role in their woodland habitats. Unfortunately, they are listed as a critically endangered species in the UK and can only be found in one small area. When I was choosing the subjects for my entries to this exhibition, I wanted to pick a species with a charismatic charm (demonstrated but this beetles fancy hat) but also one that resonates with me. I'm captivated by this beetle! I hope one day I can find one and admire it in person, but for now I sit in awe of the few photos that exist of it online, and hope that we, as humans, can do enough to prevent their habitats from being lost. The Buglife charity ran a species recovery project for these charming beetles up until March this year. The data they collected during that project will help to develop a species recovery plan and has also revealed key information on their lifecycle and ecology. Although this specific project has ended for now, funds generated from this piece will go towards Buglife's current projects to protect and recover other invertebrate species, just like the eyes longhorn beetle.