Bumelia-borer
Guides
Plinthocoelium
Plinthocoelium is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Callichromatini. The genus contains approximately 9 species distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most well-known species, Plinthocoelium suaveolens, is notable for its large size, brilliant iridescent green coloration, and extremely long orange-and-black banded legs. Members of this genus are associated with woody plants in the family Sapotaceae, particularly Sideroxylon species.
Plinthocoelium suaveolens plicatum
Bumelia Borer
Plinthocoelium suaveolens plicatum is the western subspecies of a striking longhorned beetle distributed from Texas west to New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico. Distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by bronze or cupreous tints and weak transverse rugae on the pronotum, this beetle exhibits brilliant iridescent green coloration with contrasting orange and black legs. Larvae develop in the roots of living Sideroxylon lanuginosum (gum bumelia), with adults active during summer months. The subspecies intergrades with P. s. suaveolens in northeastern Texas.
Plinthocoelium suaveolens suaveolens
bumelia borer, cerambycid beetle
Plinthocoelium suaveolens suaveolens is a striking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, renowned as one of North America's most beautiful cerambycids. Adults display brilliant iridescent green elytra, coppery head and pronotum, and exceptionally long black antennae and legs with contrasting orange femora. The nominate subspecies occurs across the southeastern and south-central United States, where larvae develop in roots of living gum bumelia trees (Sideroxylon lanuginosum). Adults are active primarily during July and August, often seen flying to host flowers or perching on tree trunks. The species is notably wary and difficult to approach for photography.