Prionus Long-horned Beetle

Hexapoda, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Prionus heroicus

Description: Very large robust reddish-brown beetle with long, tiled antennae. Females are larger than males, and males have larger antennal segments than females. Several similar species occur in New Mexico.

Geographic Distribution: Throughout southern and eastern New Mexico. Native.

Habitats: Associated with broad-leaved trees. Larvae live in and feed on dead tree roots.

Biology: Adults occur in the mid-summer, larvae are present in wood year round.

Health/pest Status: Not pests, prionus long-horned borers feed on already dead tree roots in damp soil. They do not attack dry building wood.