Identification: Adult beetles are black with yellow stripes across. The third stripe on the elytra is W-shaped.
Habitat: Anywhere Black Locust trees are present - most of the US.
Season: Adults most noticeable in September when Goldenrod comes into bloom.
Food: Larvae feed exclusively on Black Locust tree and its cultivars (Robinia pseudoacacia). Adults feed on pollen, particularly Goldenrod (Solidago).
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in locust trees in the fall. Newly emerged larvae spend several months in tree trunks, first hibernating through the winter under the bark, then tunneling into trees in spring, eventually making tunnels about 4" long and .25" inch wide. They pupate late July/early August. Adult beetles emerge late August to September.
(From BugGuide)
Habitat: Anywhere Black Locust trees are present - most of the US.
Season: Adults most noticeable in September when Goldenrod comes into bloom.
Food: Larvae feed exclusively on Black Locust tree and its cultivars (Robinia pseudoacacia). Adults feed on pollen, particularly Goldenrod (Solidago).
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in locust trees in the fall. Newly emerged larvae spend several months in tree trunks, first hibernating through the winter under the bark, then tunneling into trees in spring, eventually making tunnels about 4" long and .25" inch wide. They pupate late July/early August. Adult beetles emerge late August to September.
(From BugGuide)
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3 comments:
beautiful!
Great shot!! Have not seen this critter in my part of the country. From its name, I hope not to. :)
You're right, Christine. The beetle is beautiful and harmless, but it's larvae can do serious damage to Black Locust trees.
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