About Antaxius pedestris (Fabricius, 1787)
Antaxius pedestris reaches a total body length of about 15–23 millimetres (0.59–0.91 in). Its ovipositor measures around 13–18 millimetres (0.51–0.71 in), which is slightly shorter than the body. The basic body color is dark brown, gray brown or dark gray, marked with light whitish, yellow, or light gray patterns. The lateral margins of the pronotum have a white tinge. The abdomen is long, thick, and strong. Females have very short wings, while males’ wings extend 3–4 mm out from under the pronotum. Males have unusual cerci: these are whitish, flattened, and bear internal teeth. All pairs of this species’ powerful legs have small spines along their lower section. This species is found in the Pyrenees of Spain, and in the western and southern Alps of Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland. It prefers warm habitats in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas with dense high vegetation and low bushes, occurring at elevations up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level.
