Ponderous Borer vs Giant Jawed Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ponderous Borer Giant Jawed Longhorn
Scientific Name Trichocnemis spiculatus Macrodontia dejeanii
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Cerambycidae
Size 40-60 mm 50-85 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western United States, British Columbia Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ponderous Borer

One of the largest cerambycids in North America, this prionine breeds in the roots and lower trunks of dead ponderosa pines. Adults are dark brown with a somewhat rough body surface. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

💡

Did You Know?

Larval development can take up to six years in dry dead wood, one of the longest development times for any beetle.

Giant Jawed Longhorn

A large prionine with impressive curved mandibles from the tropical forests of South America. While smaller than the famous M. cervicornis, it is still a formidable insect. Males use their enlarged mandibles in combat over females.

💡

Did You Know?

The mandibles of males can account for nearly a third of total body length and are used like antlers in combat.