Potential-invasive
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Oxymerus
Oxymerus is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Trachyderini. The genus contains ten described species distributed exclusively in the Neotropical region, ranging from Nicaragua and the West Indies south to Bolivia and Uruguay. Species within this genus are medium to large-sized, brightly colored, and diurnal. Oxymerus aculeatus is the most widespread species and has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about potential establishment in the United States.
Oxymerus aculeatus
Oxymerus aculeatus is a medium to large-sized longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini, characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity. The species was described by Dupont in 1838 and is the most widely distributed member of its exclusively Neotropical genus, ranging from Nicaragua and the West Indies south to Bolivia and Uruguay. Several subspecies have been described, with the nominate subspecies O. a. aculeatus occurring throughout central, eastern, and southeastern Brazil. Like most cerambycids, larvae presumably develop in dead or dying wood, though specific host plants remain undocumented. The species has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about potential establishment and economic impact as an invasive wood-boring pest.