Community identification
Broad-necked Root Borer
Prionus laticollis
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera: Cerambycidae
- Size
- 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests, orchards, and suburban areas with mature trees
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on the roots of various hardwood trees and shrubs; adults typically do not feed or may consume nectar/sap
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects often attracted to artificial lights; larvae spend 3 to 4 years underground before pupating
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage or kill trees by boring into roots; they provide an ecosystem benefit by breaking down wood and serving as a food source for birds and small mammals