Megacyllene antennata

Megacyllene antennata can be distinguished from related species by its less vivid coloration compared to the striking yellow-and-black banded patterns of M. robiniae (locust borer) and M. caryae (hickory borer). The elytral pubescent bands are narrower and less contrasting. Geographic range provides the most reliable separation: M. antennata occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, while M. robiniae and M. caryae are eastern species. Unlike M. caryae, which is active in spring, or M. robiniae, which is active in fall, the adult activity period of M. antennata has not been explicitly documented in available sources.

Arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, specifically areas where mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) occur. Mesquite-dominated woodlands, riparian corridors, and desert scrub with sufficient woody biomass to support larval development.

Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico. Records exist from Arizona and Texas; the species' range corresponds broadly with that of its host plant genus Prosopis.

Larvae feed on woody tissues of mesquite trees (Prosopis spp., Fabaceae). The specific feeding habits of adults have not been documented.

• Prosopis - larval hostwoody tissues

Adult males produce a sex-specific pheromone blend containing (S)-α-terpineol, (E)-2-hexenol, (S)-limonene, terpinolene, (R)-1-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethanol, (E)-2-hexenal, and 1-hexanol. Field bioassays demonstrate that synthetic reconstructions of this blend attract both males and females, with strongest attraction to blends where (S)-α-terpineol and (E)-2-hexenol approach equal ratios. These pheromone components are common natural products not present in host plant volatile emissions.

Wood-boring beetle whose larvae contribute to decomposition of mesquite wood and nutrient cycling in desert and semi-arid woodland ecosystems.

• Megacyllene robiniaeSimilar banded elytral pattern, but occurs in eastern North America, is active in fall, and has broader, more complete yellow bands on elytra; breeds in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
• Megacyllene caryaeSimilar overall appearance, but occurs in eastern North America, is active in early spring, and often has reddish legs and alternating yellow-white elytral bands; breeds in hickory (Carya spp.) and related genera
• Megacyllene decoraLarger and more boldly marked than M. antennata; occurs in regions of range overlap but has more vivid coloration

• Cerambycidae
• longhorn beetle
• wood-borer
• pheromone
• mesquite
• Prosopis
• Southwest USA
• Mexico
• Clytini

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• When is a locust borer not a locust borer? | Beetles In The Bush
• Megacyllene comanchei revisited | Beetles In The Bush
• The Common Natural Products (S)-α-Terpineol and (E)-2-Hexenol are Important Pheromone Components of Megacyllene antennata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)