Cerambycidae
Guides
Crossidius coralinus fulgidus
rabbitbrush longhorned beetle
Crossidius coralinus fulgidus is a strikingly colored subspecies of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) endemic to the western United States. Adults are active in fall rather than spring or summer, a seasonal pattern unusual for the family. They are intimately associated with rabbitbrush and related composite shrubs, where adults feed, mate, and shelter among the yellow flowers. Males possess exceptionally long antennae relative to females. This subspecies exhibits the bright red and black coloration characteristic of the C. coralinus complex.
Crossidius coralinus jocosus
Crossidius coralinus jocosus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, endemic to North America. It is characterized by its notably small size compared to other C. coralinus subspecies and reduced black elytral markings. Adults emerge in late summer and early fall to feed on yellow flowers of gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). The subspecies occurs in southeastern Colorado, where it appears to be isolated from nominotypical populations by the San Juan Mountains.
Crossidius coralinus ruficollis
Crossidius coralinus ruficollis is a subspecies of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) endemic to the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. It is one of several geographically isolated subspecies of C. coralinus characterized by red and black coloration. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flowers of Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa (burrobrush). Historically isolated from the nominate subspecies by the now-dry Tulare Lake, this population exhibits distinct coloration with individuals ranging from tan to dark red depending on locality.
Crossidius coralinus temprans
Crossidius coralinus temprans is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, described by Linsley & Chemsak in 1961. It is distinguished from other C. coralinus subspecies by its deep red coloration with faint bluish overtones, relatively fine but dense elytral punctation, and smaller average size. Females exhibit broadly expanded black elytral patterns extending along the suture to at least the basal third of the elytra and black humeri connected by a basal band, while males typically show reduced black markings. The subspecies occurs in sagebrush grasslands of western Nevada and Lassen County, California, where adults are found on flower heads of gray rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa).
Crossidius discoideus
Orange-bracketed Longhorned Beetle
Crossidius discoideus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are notable for their striking orange-and-black coloration, which closely mimics that of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.) and blister beetles (Epicauta spp.) through Batesian mimicry. The species is strongly associated with flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed), where adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop in the root crowns of broom snakeweed and related Isocoma species (Jimmyweed).
Crossidius discoideus sayi
Crossidius discoideus sayi is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to western North America. It is recognized as a Batesian mimic of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.), sharing their characteristic orange and black color pattern despite being harmless itself. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flower pollen and nectar, particularly from Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed). The larvae develop as root-crown borers in their host plants.
Crossidius grahami
Ohoopee Dunes Crossidius Beetle
Crossidius grahami is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described in 2013 from southern Georgia. It is restricted to a highly specific host plant, woody goldenrod (Chrysoma pauciflosculosa), a perennial asteraceous shrub of coastal sand dunes and scrub. The species was discovered incidentally when collectors reared adults from root crowns while attempting to rear a different undescribed cerambycid. Adults are found primarily on lower stems of living plants.
Crossidius hirtipes allgewahri
Crossidius hirtipes allgewahri is a subspecies of longhorned beetle described by LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the highly polytopic and morphologically variable species C. hirtipes, which comprises 16 recognized subspecies distributed across the Great Basin and adjacent regions of western North America. The subspecies epithet honors Allgewahr, likely a collector or colleague of LeConte. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus/Ericameria) host plants.
Crossidius hirtipes flavescens
Crossidius hirtipes flavescens is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, originally described as C. rhodopus flavescens by Chemsak & Linsley in 1959 and later transferred to C. hirtipes by Linsley & Chemsak in 1961. It is one of 16 recognized subspecies of C. hirtipes, a species characterized as 'probably the most diverse species within the genus.' The subspecies is known from a restricted area around Kennedy Meadow in Tulare County, California, and has been documented on yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus).
Crossidius hirtipes nigripennis
Crossidius hirtipes nigripennis is a subspecies of the highly variable longhorned beetle Crossidius hirtipes, described by Chemsak & Linsley in 1959. As one of 16 recognized subspecies within C. hirtipes, it represents part of a complex taxonomic group characterized by extensive variation in coloration, elytral pattern, and pubescence across the Great Basin region. The subspecies epithet "nigripennis" suggests distinctive dark or black wing covers (elytra), though specific diagnostic features for this taxon are not detailed in the provided sources. Like other C. hirtipes subspecies, adults are associated with rabbitbrush host plants (Chrysothamnus/Ericameria species). The taxonomic status of C. hirtipes subspecies remains under investigation, with ongoing molecular studies seeking to clarify whether these represent distinct species, subspecies, or elements of a single highly variable population.
Crossidius hirtipes rhodopus
Crossidius hirtipes rhodopus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, originally described as a full species by Linsley in 1955 but later treated as a subspecies of the highly polytopic C. hirtipes. It is endemic to the Mono Basin of east-central California and is among the most distinctive of all C. hirtipes subspecies due to its dark reddish-brown coloration. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flower heads of yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus).
Crossidius hirtipes wickhami
Crossidius hirtipes wickhami is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini. It is one of 16 recognized subspecies of the highly polytopic species C. hirtipes, which exhibits extreme variability across the Great Basin and adjacent regions. The subspecies is distinguished by its light coloration and distinct sutural stripe on the elytra. Adults are associated with yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) and are active during late summer when their host plants bloom.
Crossidius humeralis
Crossidius humeralis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to a diverse, exclusively western North American genus whose members are intimately associated with flowering shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Like other Crossidius species, adults are diurnal and strongly tied to their host plants for feeding and reproduction.
Crossidius pulchellus
Beautiful Longhorned Beetle
Crossidius pulchellus is a longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1861. Unlike most cerambycids that develop in dead wood, this species has evolved a root-boring lifestyle in living perennial shrubs of the family Asteraceae. Adults are strongly associated with flowers of their host plants, where they feed, mate, and shelter. The species exhibits the dense vestiture (hair covering) characteristic of the genus and shows geographic variation across its range in the Great Plains and southern Rocky Mountains.
Crossidius suturalis
Crossidius suturalis is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. The species belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group of often brightly colored and flower-visiting cerambycids. Field observations indicate it is strongly associated with composite flowers (Asteraceae), particularly Isocoma tenuisecta, and shows sexual dimorphism in antennal length with males possessing longer antennae than females. Multiple subspecific taxa have been described across its range.
Crossidius suturalis intermedius
Crossidius suturalis intermedius is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the highly variable species C. suturalis, which occurs across southwestern North America. The subspecies has been collected in association with flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed), a composite plant in the Asteraceae family. Field observations indicate it is found in arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, with adults active during late summer and early autumn when host plants bloom.
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to the genus Crossidius, a group of flower-visiting beetles associated with composite plants in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. This subspecies was described by Penrose in 1984 and is part of a complex of subspecies within C. suturalis that show geographic variation in coloration and elytral markings.
Crossidius suturalis minutivestis
A subspecies of longhorn beetle in the genus Crossidius, described by Linsley in 1957. It occurs in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent areas of central California. Adults emerge in late summer and early fall to feed on flowers of their host plant, Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa. The subspecies name refers to its relatively small size compared to other members of the species.
Crossidius suturalis pubescens
Crossidius suturalis pubescens is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Linsley in 1957. It belongs to the species Crossidius suturalis, a member of the flower-visiting cerambycid genus Crossidius. The subspecies is distributed in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and New Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are active in late summer and early autumn, where they have been found on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta and related composite plants.
Crossidius suturalis suturalis
Crossidius suturalis suturalis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the genus Crossidius. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults have been observed on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed) and related Isocoma species, particularly in late summer and early fall. The subspecies is part of a complex of fall-active Crossidius beetles associated with composite host plants.
Crossidius testaceus
Crossidius testaceus is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. The species occurs in western North America and Central America. Like other members of its genus, it develops as larvae in living roots of perennial shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Two subspecies are recognized: C. t. testaceus and C. t. maculicollis.
Cryptanura
Cryptanura is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, containing at least 38 species in North America. These wasps are parasitoids of other insects, with documented hosts including longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The genus includes species that serve as models for Batesian mimicry by phytophagous bugs. At least 30 species occur in Mexico, with the genus distributed from North America through Central America to South America.
Curiini
Curiini is a tribe of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae. It contains a single genus, Curius. The tribe is distinguished by unique morphological features that separate it from other cerambycine tribes. Members are found in the Neotropical region.
Curius
Curius is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) and the sole genus in the tribe Curiini. It contains four described species distributed in the Americas. The genus was established by Newman in 1840. Members are classified in the subfamily Cerambycinae, a diverse group of wood-boring beetles.
Curtomerus flavus
Curtomerus Longhorned Beetle
Curtomerus flavus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. The species is distributed across North, Central, and South America, as well as Pacific and Caribbean islands. It belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Callidiopini. Limited ecological and behavioral information is available for this species.
Cyphonotida
Cyphonotida is a monotypic genus of flower longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Casey in 1913. The genus contains a single species, Cyphonotida rostrata, which occurs across North, Central, and South America. The subspecies C. r. rostrata has been documented in seasonally dry forest habitats.
Cyphonotida rostrata
A longhorn beetle species in the subfamily Lepturinae, characterized by an elongated rostrum. The species occurs across South America with records from Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia, with a recent first record from Peru in seasonally dry forest habitat. The subspecies C. rostrata rostrata has been documented in disturbed localities.
Cyphonotida rostrata borealis
Cyphonotida rostrata borealis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Linsley & Chemsak in 1976. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, a group commonly known as flower longhorns. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by its more northerly distribution. Records indicate presence in Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Cyphonotida rostrata texana
Cyphonotida rostrata texana is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Giesbert & Hovore in 1998. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae (flower longhorns), a group characterized by adults that frequently visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The subspecies designation suggests geographic differentiation within the broader C. rostrata species complex.
Cyrtinini
Cyrtinini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae. The tribe contains approximately 13 genera, including Cyrtinus, the type genus. Members are generally small to medium-sized beetles with elongated bodies typical of Lamiinae. The tribe has a scattered global distribution with observations primarily from the Americas and parts of Asia. As a taxonomic grouping, it is recognized in both the Catalogue of Life and major cerambycid classifications.
Cyrtinus
Cyrtinus is a genus of minute longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas. The genus is notable for containing some of the smallest members of the family, with adults of certain species measuring only 2–3 millimeters in length. Species occur in eastern North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The type species, Cyrtinus pygmaeus, is among the smallest North American cerambycids and exhibits effective ant mimicry.
Cyrtinus beckeri
Cyrtinus beckeri is a minute longhorned beetle species in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Howden in 1960. It is known from the United States, where it has been documented feeding on Bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum). Like other members of the genus Cyrtinus, it is among the smallest cerambycids, exhibiting ant-mimicking characteristics.
Cyrtophorus
Cyrtophorus is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, containing only the species Cyrtophorus verrucosus. The genus is notable for its remarkable ant-mimicry, with adults bearing a strong resemblance to carpenter ants (Camponotus species). Adults are small, averaging approximately 9 mm in length, and are active primarily in early spring. The single species has a broad distribution across eastern North America.
Dectes
Dectes stem borer
Dectes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus contains three recognized species: Dectes nigripilus, Dectes sayi, and Dectes texanus. The most economically significant species is D. texanus, commonly known as the Dectes stem borer or soybean stem borer, which has become an important agricultural pest of soybean and sunflower crops in the central and eastern United States. Larvae tunnel into plant stems and girdle the base before overwintering, causing lodging and yield losses. D. sayi is also associated with soybean and sunflower but prefers common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) as a primary host.
Dectes texanus
Dectes stem borer, Texas prick, soybean stem borer
Dectes texanus is a native North American longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) that has emerged as a significant agricultural pest of soybeans and sunflowers in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions of the United States. Adults are characterized by antennae longer than their bodies and a pale gray coloration. Larvae tunnel inside plant stems from July through October, then girdle the stem base internally before overwintering, causing pre-harvest lodging and yield losses. The species has expanded its range and pest status dramatically since the 1980s, correlating with increased soybean acreage and adoption of no-till farming practices. Originally associated with wild hosts including ragweed and cocklebur, it colonized cultivated soybeans approximately 50 years ago.
Dendrobias
Dendrobias is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Dupont in 1834. The genus was restored from synonymy under Trachyderes in 2018, having been previously included within that genus for several years. It contains three described species distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members are associated with desert thorn-scrub and riparian habitats, particularly with Baccharis and Acacia vegetation.
Dendrobias mandibularis
Long-jawed Longhorn Beetle
Dendrobias mandibularis is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Dupont in 1834. The species is notable for its enlarged mandibles, particularly in males. It has been collected in desert thorn-scrub habitats in Arizona and is associated with Baccharis sarothroides vegetation. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in mandible development, with major males possessing substantially enlarged jaws.
Dendrobias mandibularis mandibularis
A large cerambycid beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, notable for males possessing extraordinarily enlarged mandibles used in combat. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowering vegetation, particularly Baccharis sarothroides. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some authorities placing it in the genus Trachyderes.
Dere thoracica
Dere thoracica is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) first reported in the United States in 2021. The species was previously known from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) before its detection in the eastern United States, where it has since undergone range expansion. As a cerambycid beetle, it belongs to a family whose larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Derobrachus hovorei
Palo Verde Root Borer, Palo Verde Beetle, Palo Verde Borer Beetle
Derobrachus hovorei is a large longhorn beetle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was formally described as a distinct species by Santos-Silva in 2007, having been previously confused with D. geminatus for over a century. Adults are among the largest beetles in North America, reaching up to 3.5 inches in length. The species is named for its larval association with palo verde trees (Parkinsonia spp.), though it has been observed feeding on roots of various other tree species in urban environments.
Derobrachus leechi
Derobrachus leechi is a large prionine longhorn beetle described in 1977 from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to a genus commonly known as palo verde root borers, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species is rarely encountered in collections and field observations are sparse.
Derobrachus thomasi
Thomas's Oak Borer
Derobrachus thomasi is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Santos-Silva in 2007. It belongs to the genus Derobrachus, which comprises large wood-boring beetles commonly known as oak borers. The species has been recorded in the United States and is known by the common name Thomas's Oak Borer. As a member of the Prioninae subfamily, it is part of a group of robust, often large-bodied cerambycids associated with hardwood trees.
Desmiphora
Desmiphora is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) comprising approximately 50 species distributed across the New World tropics and subtropics. The genus is characterized by distinctive fasciculate tufts (pencils) of erect or suberect hairs on the body. Most species occur in Brazil, with some extending northward to southern Texas. The genus was established by Audinet-Serville in 1835 and includes two subgenera: Antenniphora and Desmiphora.
Desmiphora aegrota
Desmiphora aegrota is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Henry Walter Bates in 1880. The species belongs to the genus Desmiphora, an exclusively New World group characterized by distinctive tufts of erect hairs. It is known from the southern United States and Panama, with records also from Costa Rica and Guatemala. As with other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Desmiphora hirticollis
A longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, characterized by dense tufts of erect hairs that provide remarkable crypsis against tree bark. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide on the undersides of freshly cut logs during daylight hours. The species occurs from southern Texas through South America, with documented associations with trees in the family Boraginaceae as larval hosts.
Desmiphorini
Desmiphorini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae, distributed across the New World and Asia. Members are characterized by distinctive tufts or fascicles of erect hairs (pencils) on the body, often functioning in crypsis against bark or foliage. The tribe includes genera such as Desmiphora, Graphidessa, Miccolamia, and Ceiupaba, with species ranging from minute (Miccolamia minuta, considered the smallest cerambycid in China) to larger forms. Many species exhibit cryptic coloration matching their host substrates, with some showing potential caterpillar mimicry.
Desmocerini
Desmocerini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lepturinae. The tribe is best known for the genus Desmocerus, which contains large, strikingly colored beetles. Members of this tribe are associated with woody vegetation and have been documented in North America. The group is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from related lepturine tribes.
Desmocerus aureipennis
Golden-winged Elderberry Borer
Desmocerus aureipennis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. Commonly known as the Golden-winged Elderberry Borer, this species occurs in the United States and Canada. It is one of four recognized subspecies within the Desmocerus aureipennis species complex. Like congeners, it is associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus), though specific ecological details for this subspecies are less documented than for the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (D. californicus dimorphus).
Desmocerus aureipennis cribripennis
Desmocerus aureipennis cribripennis is a subspecies of elderberry longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Like other members of the genus Desmocerus, it is associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus). The species complex exhibits bright aposematic coloration involving orange and blue or black patterns. This subspecies occurs in western North America and is part of a group that has been studied for chemical ecology and conservation biology.
Desmocerus aureipennis lacustris
Desmocerus aureipennis lacustris is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to a genus whose members are tightly associated with elderberry plants (Sambucus), with larvae developing in living stems and roots. Adults display striking aposematic coloration combining metallic blue with orange or yellow markings. The subspecies is native to western North America and is part of a complex of Desmocerus taxa that includes the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus).