Hickory-specialist
Guides
Catocala angusi
Angus' Underwing
Catocala angusi, known as Angus' Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from July through October. Larval development is tied to hickory trees, specifically pecan and shagbark hickory.
Catocala epione
Epione Underwing
Catocala epione, the Epione Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is one of over 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, recognized for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in eastern and central North America and has been documented in forested habitats.
Catocala flebilis
Mourning Underwing, Mournful Underwing
Catocala flebilis, the mourning underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 45–65 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. Larvae feed specifically on Carya glabra and Carya ovata (hickory species).
Graphisurus despectus
Salt-and-pepper Long-horned Beetle
Graphisurus despectus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It occurs in the eastern United States and is one of three Graphisurus species found in Missouri. The species breeds almost exclusively in hickory (Carya spp.), showing strong host fidelity compared to its congeners. It is less commonly encountered than the widespread G. fasciatus but more frequently collected than the attractive G. triangulifer.
Stenosphenus notatus
Stenosphenus notatus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to eastern North America. It is notable for its exceptionally early spring emergence, appearing during the first warm days of late March and disappearing before most other longhorned beetles become active. The species is closely associated with hickory trees (Carya), where larvae develop beneath the bark of dead limbs. Adults overwinter, an unusual life history strategy among eastern U.S. cerambycids.
Xenorhipis brendeli
Xenorhipis brendeli is a metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae. Males possess highly modified, flabellate (comb-like) antennae with expanded distal segments covered in olfactory sensillae, while females retain the unmodified serrate antennae typical of the family. This species is the only member of its tribe occurring in eastern North America, ranging west to Minnesota and eastern Texas. Adults are short-lived, with males living no longer than 48 hours, and exhibit a narrow daily activity window focused on mate location via female-released pheromones.
Xyleborus celsus
Hickory Timber Beetle
Xyleborus celsus, commonly known as the hickory timber beetle, is a bivoltine ambrosia beetle native to North America. It specializes in colonizing stressed or dying black hickory trees (Carya texana) and other hickory species. The species overwinters as adults and completes development from egg to adult in approximately 35 days. Unlike some invasive congenerics, it appears to be a native primary colonizer of weakened trees rather than an aggressive killer of healthy hosts.