Longhorn beetle. View of the upper side of a male harlequin beetle (Acrocinus longimanus), showing its extremely long forelegs. The body of this specimen measures 8cm long. This beetle is one of the largest insect species in the world. Adult insects can grow to 7-8 centimetres in length. It is a severe pest of tree plantations in its native South America. However, it is hoped that it may present some benefit to human health, as it is being investigated as a source of new antifungal drugs.