Banded Alder Borer

Rosalia funebris

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Cerambycidae
Subfamily: Cerambycinae
Tribe: Compsocerini
Genus: Rosalia
Species: funebris

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rosalia funebris: /roˈsaː.li.a fuˈneː.bris/

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Summary

The Banded Alder Borer (Rosalia funebris) is a striking longhorn beetle known for its unique coloration, found predominantly in western North America. It primarily associates with hardwoods, where its larvae develop, but it is not a significant pest due to its life cycle's focus on downed trees.

Physical Characteristics

Adult: 23.0-40.0 mm (not including antennae); Black with broad blue-white stripes across elytra; Pronotum white with a black spot; Very long antennae alternately banded black and white, with males having longer antennae than females.

Identification Tips

Look for strikingly colored elytra with black and white bands, and a pronotum with a distinct black spot.

Habitat

Found on the bark of hardwood trees, particularly in spring and summer.

Distribution

Western North America, from Alaska through California, and into New Mexico.

Diet

Larvae feed on wood from hardwood trees; adults typically feed on flowers though specific feeding habits may vary.

Life Cycle

Adults lay eggs in crevices of tree bark; larvae bore into the wood after hatching.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in crevices in the bark of hardwood trees.

Ecosystem Role

As wood-boring beetles, they play a role in the decomposition of dead hardwoods and contribute to nutrient cycling.

Economic Impact

Not considered a significant pest as they generally lay eggs on downed trees rather than living trees.

Collecting Methods

Trapping or direct collection from host trees.

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation; pinning for museum specimens.

Evolution

Monotypic genus within the Cerambycidae family, exhibiting traits common to longhorn beetles.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for being more harmful than it is, as it typically infests dead or dying trees rather than live, healthy ones.