Information: Mesoprionus besikanus is a species found in the eastern Mediterranean, with the main center of occurrence in Greece, where it is most widespread, including the islands. This species prefers well-preserved oak forests with plenty of old trees, which are necessary for its development.
It is often attracted to light, even in coastal areas, with its occurrence reaching up to 1500 meters above sea level. Females seek out old trees or tree stumps where they can easily be seen laying their eggs on the ground in the evening.
Body length: 20 - 50 mm
Peak activity: May - August
Remarks: During the day, the beetles hide under the bark, pieces of wood on the ground, in tree crevices near the ground or in leaves, for example. They activate shortly after dark. They are often enticing to a light trap.
Distribution: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Cyprus, Liban, [Syria, Jordan??]
Zoogeographic region: Palearctic
Taxonomic classification:
Atlas of the Cerambycidae of Europe and Mediterranean Area | Sama 2002
Material examined (& observation):
Greece 
Peloponés
Élida region
Panopoulos env.
(GPS) 
Altitude 550 m a.s.l. | 2-11.7.2019
Our observation period: June ~ August
Sampling Methods: Attracted to light trap 
GreeceLonghorn beetles (Cerambycidae) of the West Palaearctic region
Coleoptera Cerambycidae Prioninae Mesoprionus besicanus
Prioninae of the world (Jiří Pirk) - photos of the type material
Prioninae of the world
Longicorn beetles (Cerambycoidea) of Russia and adjacent countries. Part 1., Danilevsky 2014 Provincial and Regional distribution of the members of Prioninae in Turkey, Özdikmen 2023 Turkish Red List Categories of Longicorn Beetles I., Özdikmen 2014
