Hardwood-borer
Guides
Brachyleptura
Brachyleptura is a genus of flower longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lepturinae, containing eight species distributed across North America. Members are distinguished from other Lepturinae by often abbreviated elytra, though this trait is variably expressed. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers, particularly those with white, compound, flat-topped inflorescences. Larvae develop in decaying hardwoods including beech, birch, elm, hickory, and maple.
Mallodon dasystomus
hardwood stump borer
Mallodon dasystomus is a large prionine longhorned beetle native to the southern United States, ranging through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults measure 35–50 mm in length and possess conspicuously hairy mouthparts that inspired the species epithet (from Greek dasus 'hairy' and stoma 'mouth'). The species is strongly associated with hardwood trees, particularly sycamores, and larvae develop in dead or dying wood. Both sexes use volatile semiochemicals for host location, while females produce a sex pheromone that attracts males.
Molorchus bimaculatus
Bimaculate Longhorn Beetle
Molorchus bimaculatus is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults exhibit Batesian ant mimicry, with a convex body profile and markings that create the illusion of a constricted waist. The species is commonly found on flowering trees during early spring, particularly in eastern North America. Larvae develop within the woody tissues of hardwood trees and lianas.
Stenocorus schaumii
Schaum's Longhorn Beetle
Stenocorus schaumii is a medium-sized longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, measuring 17–29 mm in length. Adults exhibit variable coloration, appearing either black or brownish-red. The species shares diagnostic morphological features with other members of its genus, including wide shoulders and tuberculated lateral pronotal margins. Larval development occurs in hardwood trees, with documented feeding on Fraxinus (ash), maple, and other hardwood genera.
Strangalia famelica solitaria
Midwestern Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica solitaria is a subspecies of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is a diurnal species that visits flowers as an adult, and is considered one of the more commonly encountered flower longhorns in Missouri. The species has been documented from fermenting bait traps, with two specimens captured in molasses/beer traps during a 2015 study in Missouri—marking the first report of this subspecies from fermenting baits in the state. Larvae develop in dead hardwood branches.
Tragidion coquus
Tragidion coquus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is among the larger and more visually striking cerambycids in North America, with velvety black and vivid orange coloration that mimics tarantula hawk wasps (Pompilidae). The species occurs broadly across the eastern and central United States, where it breeds in dead hardwoods, particularly oak. It is considered rare and difficult to encounter in the field despite its wide distribution.