This beetle is characterised by long antennae (like all other cerambycids[1]) and a somewhat coppery or greenish metallic tint.

The typical form, characterised by a pronotum with a metallic color, is widespread in Europe, except for most of Spain and Southern Italy.

In such regions, in North and East Africa, and in Asia to Japan, the species is represented by some subspecies characterised by a more or less red pronotum.

The secretion with the characteristic musky smell is produced in thoracic glands,and is expelled through openings located on the distal part of the metasternum, near the hind legs articulation.

The secretion was formerly supposed to contain salicylaldehyde or a salicylic ether, but there is now evidence that it consists instead mainly of four different monoterpenes,[3] among which is rose oxide, one of the most important fragrances in perfumery.