Palo Verde Root Borer

Natural Habitat

Found in arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, typically near Palo Verde, Mesquite, and ironwood trees.

Diet & Feeding

Adults do not feed or may consume nectar/sap; larvae feed on the roots of trees, particularly the Palo Verde tree.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active during the summer monsoon season, frequently attracted to outdoor lights at night. They are clumsy fliers and have a multi-year life cycle spent mostly underground as larvae.

Risks & Benefits

They have strong mandibles and can deliver a painful bite if handled, but they are not venomous. In the ecosystem, they aid in the decomposition of old root systems, though they can occasionally weaken stressed trees.

Identified on: 6/16/2026