Palo Verde Root Borer (larvae or evidence of infestation)
Scientific Name: Derobrachus hovorei
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Cerambycidae
Size: Adults are 3 to 3.5 inches; larvae can reach up to 5 inches in length.
Natural Habitat
Found mostly in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, specifically in desert landscapes near host trees like Palo Verde, Mesquite, and Ironwood.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on the roots of trees and shrubs, while adults typically do not eat or consume very little nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Adults emerge during the monsoon season to mate. The larvae live underground for up to three years, boring into and feeding on tree roots.
Risks & Benefits
Can be a serious pest to landscaping by damaging or killing healthy trees. They provide a benefit to the ecosystem as a food source for larger animals like roadrunners and owls.
Identified on: 5/28/2026