Broad-necked Root Borer

Scientific Name: Prionus laticollis

Order & Family: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae

Size: 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) in length

Broad-necked Root Borer

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

Identified on: 6/11/2026