The locust borer beetle is a member of the family of longhorn beetles. As its name suggests, it is a pest of the black locust tree, having a sympatric relationship with them, as both remain in the same geographical location. They bear a strong resemblance to wasps and bees, mostly in appearance.
Size: 11 to 28 mm (0.43 to 1.10 in)
Color: These beetles are striped yellow and black, similar to a wasp, with reddish-brown legs.
Other Characteristic Features: There is a distinct yellow “W” shape on their elytra. Sexual dimorphism in the species is seen in the size of their antennae. While both of them have dark brown to black antennae, the male’s antennae are 2/3rd its total body length, while those of the females are ½.
Larvae are white, lack legs, and are around 25 mm (0.98 in) in length.
Once they are fully mature, the larvae begin to pupate after burrowing into the tree trunk of their host plant.
After mating, females can be seen searching for a gap in the stem of the preferred plant, and lay their eggs in the crevices and close to wounds of their host plant.
| Lifespan | 3 months |
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Uncultivated fields and meadows |
| Seasons active | August-October |
| Host plants | Primarily black locust; also, goldenrod |
| Diet of adults | Pollen of goldenrod |
The larvae tend to make deep tunnels into their host plants, around 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and 7 mm (0.28 in) in width. These sites later become ground zero for infections of fungi like the cracked cap polyphore.
This will lead to the tree suffering wind damage, in the long run, hampering their growth.
Image Source: objects.liquidweb.services, insectsofbandyfield.files.wordpress.com, images.squarespace-cdn.com, forestpests.org, bugwoodcloud.org, colorado.edu
The locust borer beetle is a member of the family of longhorn beetles. As its name suggests, it is a pest of the black locust tree, having a sympatric relationship with them, as both remain in the same geographical location. They bear a strong resemblance to wasps and bees, mostly in appearance.
Size: 11 to 28 mm (0.43 to 1.10 in)
Color: These beetles are striped yellow and black, similar to a wasp, with reddish-brown legs.
Other Characteristic Features: There is a distinct yellow “W” shape on their elytra. Sexual dimorphism in the species is seen in the size of their antennae. While both of them have dark brown to black antennae, the male’s antennae are 2/3rd its total body length, while those of the females are ½.
Larvae are white, lack legs, and are around 25 mm (0.98 in) in length.
Once they are fully mature, the larvae begin to pupate after burrowing into the tree trunk of their host plant.
After mating, females can be seen searching for a gap in the stem of the preferred plant, and lay their eggs in the crevices and close to wounds of their host plant.
| Lifespan | 3 months |
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Uncultivated fields and meadows |
| Seasons active | August-October |
| Host plants | Primarily black locust; also, goldenrod |
| Diet of adults | Pollen of goldenrod |
The larvae tend to make deep tunnels into their host plants, around 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and 7 mm (0.28 in) in width. These sites later become ground zero for infections of fungi like the cracked cap polyphore.
This will lead to the tree suffering wind damage, in the long run, hampering their growth.
Image Source: objects.liquidweb.services, insectsofbandyfield.files.wordpress.com, images.squarespace-cdn.com, forestpests.org, bugwoodcloud.org, colorado.edu
