Periodic-cicada-like-emergence
Guides
Megapurpuricenus magnificus
Texas Canyon Longhorn Beetle
Megapurpuricenus magnificus is a spectacular longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) known for its massive size and striking red-and-black coloration. It is the sole species in its genus and exhibits a remarkable synchronized mass emergence every three years following the first summer monsoon rains. Adults are powerful fliers that congregate high in oak canopies for a brief reproductive period lasting approximately two weeks. The species has an extremely restricted distribution, occurring only in a few canyon systems in southeastern Arizona and historically in the Huachuca Mountains.