Osmoderma eremita

Osmoderma eremita, when defined as distinct from the closely related Osmoderma barnabita, O. cristinae, O. italicum, and O. lassallei, occurs in central and western Europe, from northern Spain and northern Italy northward to southern Sweden and eastern Germany. When interpreted more broadly, as including O. cristinae and O. lassallei as subspecies, it is distributed in much of Europe. ==Larvae==

The larvae develop in hollow trees. Oak is the preferred kind of tree, but the larvae may develop in any tree species with suitable hollows. population dynamics, and chemical communication. Trained conservation detection dogs are being used in monitoring larvae in Italy. ==Conservation status==

Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the species has decreased all over its distribution range. For this reason the species is protected in most European countries, and has been given the highest priority according to the EU's Habitats Directive. ==References==