“Extinct” beetle discovered by Guiseley man in his workshop

The size of his discovery has surprised many people and even experts at the Natural History Museum and the Royal Horticultural Society have requested that they are given his discovery to examine.

Leon opened a cupboard in his workshop and was shocked to discover a huge black beetle with a long body, wings and a long antenna. It was almost the length of his hand and had incredibly long antennas. It was something he had never seen before and in some ways was relieved to find that it was in fact dead.

Leon had no idea what it was and initially contacted a friend, John Waite of the Facebook group Wharfedale Wildlife, for his opinion. John was surprised at the size of the critter and had no idea what it was. He in turn contacted professional invertebrates ecologist and fellow group member Catherine Burton.

After much research Catherine felt she had found the answer to the beetle's identity but contacted one of the world's leading beetle specialists Max Barclay, senior curator of The Natural History Museum for his confirmation. Max confirmed that Leon had in fact discovered a Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo).

Catherine Burton said: "The Capricorn beetle is thought to have become extinct in the UK hundreds of years ago. The species thrive in deciduous oak woodland areas of mainland Europe and the mystery is how and why this UK extinct beetle was discovered on an industrial estate near York? Max was so surprised about Leon's remarkable discovery that he immediately requested the specimen to examine. The Capricorn beetle is harmless and feeds mostly on dry dead oak and is very particular about its habitat."

John Waite added: "Until Max at the NHM and RHS have conducted their examinations of the specimen we can only speculate how the creature found its way to York? The general feeling is that as it was discovered on an industrial estate is that perhaps it was transported in a consignment of materials shipped by wooden pallets from abroad?"