Synchronized-emergence

Guides

• Megapurpuricenus

  Megapurpuricenus is a monotypic genus of long-horned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Eya in 2015. The sole described species, M. magnificus, is notable for its spectacular appearance and highly synchronized emergence pattern. Adults emerge en masse every three years for approximately two weeks following the first summer monsoon rains, creating a brief but intense reproductive window. The genus is endemic to a limited number of locations in the southwestern United States, where it develops as larvae in the trunks of living oak trees.

  Cerambycidaelong-horned-beetlessynchronized-emergencemonsoon-dependentoak-associatedrareArizona-endemicTrachyderiniperiodic-cicada-analogmass-emergence

• Pteronarcys californica

  giant salmonfly, salmonfly, California giant stonefly

  Pteronarcys californica, commonly called the giant salmonfly, is among the largest stoneflies in North America. The nymphal stage lasts 3–4 years in cold, well-oxygenated rivers, after which adults emerge in synchronized mass events during late spring to early summer. Adults are strikingly colored with bright orange abdomens, leg joints, and thorax segments, and carry egg masses resembling clusters of salmon roe. The species serves as a critical food source for salmonid fishes and is highly valued by fly anglers, making it both ecologically and culturally significant across western North American river systems.

  Plecopterastoneflyaquatic-insectbioindicatorsalmonid-preyfly-fishingdetritivorecoldwater-specialistthermal-sensitivitysynchronized-emergencewestern-North-Americariver-conservation

• Taxodiomyia cupressi

  Cypress Twig Gall Midge, Cypress Flower Gall Midge

  Taxodiomyia cupressi is a gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces distinctive twig galls on cypress trees (Taxodium spp.). The species forms spongy, globular galls on new growth that are initially snow-white and turn brown with age. It has been documented in central Illinois and Missouri, with observations on cultivated bald cypress outside its native range. The midge undergoes complete metamorphosis with multiple generations per year, overwintering as larvae within fallen galls.

  gall-midgeCecidomyiidaeTaxodiumbald-cypressgall-formerpestDipterainsectphytophagouscomplete-metamorphosismultiple-generationsoverwintering-larvaeornamental-pestriparianwetlandMissouriIllinoiscentral-USAtwig-gallspongy-gallwhite-gallbrown-gallexit-holesynchronized-emergencehost-specificTaxodiomyia-cupressiananassasynonymSchweinitz-1822Osten-Sacken-1878