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locust borer

locust borer (Meacyllene robiniae)

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The locust borer is a type of long-horned beetle. In size, the adult ranges from four-tenths to slightly more than one inch in length. The antennae are black and serrated. Many yellow markings are present on a black background. A similar species has white and yellow bands. The ventral side has more yellow coloring than black.

BEHAVIORS
Adults are often found on goldenrod plants from June through November. Eggs are laid in the fall on black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia). Larvae hatch and hibernate under the bark. They become active in spring, tunneling in the heartwood of the tree until they pupate in late July or early August. The larvae are considered serious pests of black locust trees. Originally from the northeastern United States, this insect has spread as black locust trees have been planted throughout the country.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Cerambycidae

Illinois Status: common, nonnative