Now that's a bug!

[zinto]

Just thought I would share a beetle that likes to hang out around here. I hope you all think it's as cool as I do. Enjoy!
EDIT: Apparently one of the largest insects in North America according to myrmecos.net.

Palo Verde Borer (Derobrachus geminatus):

 

[Scorp guy]

Ive found one like that when i went to the lake, it's the biggest bug ive seen in the US.

 

[8ball]

I have caught a few of those around here, I would've kept them but I already have to many other bug's lol.

 

[Galapoheros]

These have strange looking larvae. Not like the typical beetle grub most people are used to seeing. They remind me more of a parasitic worm than a beetle grub. Those big beetles really get attention. Nice pics. Thanks!

 

[beetleman]

ahh! i love those!:clap:

 

[arachnocat]

That's neat! Is it a bess beetle? I've never seen one of those before

 

[psionix]

That's neat! Is it a bess beetle? I've never seen one of those before

bess beetles don't have those spines and the elytra have lots of little ridges, rather than almost smooth like this guy.
there is a better pic of the front end here since the spines are kinda hard to make out in the pics above.


the common name on this fella would be "palo verde root borer beetle". they feed exclusively on trees in the Parkinsonia genus (Palo Verde trees). the grubs get somewhere around 5" long, the beetles get between ~3.5-4" so this one is relatively small.

 

[kraken]

WOW!!!! :drool: :drool: !! That is nice!!!!

 

[bugmankeith]

I see those every summer, they constantly fly into the glass window or at my backyard light making a loud buzzing noise. What do they eat though? What do the larvae look like?

 

[psionix]

I see those every summer, they constantly fly into the glass window or at my backyard light making a loud buzzing noise. What do they eat though?

see post #7.

oh and that's not what you are seeing if you are in NY for the summer. these guys range from AZ to SoCAL.

 

[bugmankeith]

No i'm positive that's what I see! Sorry I forgot to read the bottom of post 7, tree roots huh, cool.

The beetles also attack other trees including Chinese elm, mulberry, cottonwood, and citrus.
I have these trees by me.

 

[beetleman]

we have some pretty huge ones like that one down here in florida,they can give a real nice nip,luv them longhorns :worship: