Fermenting-bait
Guides
Conquistator mucronatus
Conquistator mucronatus is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Clytini, historically classified under the genus Neoclytus. The species is characterized by its association with dead and dying hardwood trees, particularly hackberry (Celtis spp.), and is frequently attracted to fermenting baits. It has been documented across the central and eastern United States, with records from Missouri, Oklahoma, and other states. The species exhibits morphological variation, with some populations formerly recognized as a distinct form "vogti."
Elaphidion mucronatum
Spined Oak Borer
Elaphidion mucronatum is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the spined oak borer. Despite its common name, it is one of the most polyphagous wood-boring beetles in North America, developing in dead wood of numerous tree species across multiple plant families. The species is frequently encountered in the eastern and central United States, where adults are attracted to fermenting baits and can be observed in mate-guarding situations on tree trunks.
Neoclytus mucronatus mucronatus
Neoclytus mucronatus mucronatus is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Males produce an aggregation pheromone, (R)-3-hydroxyhexan-2-one, that attracts both sexes. The species has been documented in fermenting bait traps in Missouri, with adults active in mid-summer. Larvae develop in woody tissues of dead or dying trees, particularly hackberry.
Parelaphidion aspersum
Parelaphidion aspersum is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini and is known to occur in North America. The species has been documented in Canada (Ontario and Québec) and the United States. It has been collected using fermenting bait traps, with 26 specimens recorded in a 2015 Missouri study using molasses/beer and red wine baits.
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.
Purpuricenus axillaris
White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus axillaris is a large, showy longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is one of three eastern North American species in the genus Purpuricenus, distinguished by transverse basal elytral markings that cover the entire basal half of the elytra in yellow to orange coloration. The species is strongly attracted to fermenting bait traps and has been documented in association with hickory (Carya) as its larval host. It was historically confused with the similar but distinct P. paraxillaris, which was described as a new species in 2000.
Purpuricenus humeralis
Red Triangle Long-horned Beetle
Purpuricenus humeralis is a large, showy longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It is distinguished from congeners by triangular red or orange markings on the humeri (shoulders) of the elytra, rather than transverse bands covering the basal half. The species occurs in northeastern North America and is attracted to fermenting bait traps. It is one of three similar Purpuricenus species in eastern North America, historically confused with P. axillaris until careful study revealed consistent morphological differences.
Stizus brevipennis
Stizus brevipennis is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae). It was described by Walsh in 1869 and is found in North America. The species has been documented in at least 128 observations on iNaturalist and has been collected in fermenting bait traps in Missouri.