Tropidopola longicornis (Fieber, 1853)

Habitat:
In Crete, Tropidopola longicornis inhabits most often coastal wetlands like river beds and estuaries as well as periodically humid ruderal areas with reed (mostly Phragmites australis, less Arundo) where the animals feed on reed leaves.

Life cycle:
Tropidopola longicornis may be found year-round because adults overwinter. I recorded many adults, but also larvae of all stages in Crete in mid-October 2025. The animals rest on reed stalks where they are well camouflaged. They quickly turn to the opposite site on the stalk when approached.

Remarks:
Tropidopola longicornis occurs in parts of Africa and southern Asia. in Europe it is found in the Greek island of Crete where it is endangered by habitat loss (intense agriculture, overbuilding, mass tourism).