Ponderous Borer vs Velvet Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ponderous Borer Velvet Longhorn
Scientific Name Trichocnemis spiculatus Trichoferus campestris
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Cerambycidae
Size 40-60 mm 10-20 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western United States, British Columbia Central Asia; invasive in Europe, North America, Middle East
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Velvet Longhorn

A brownish-grey cerambycid covered in fine velvety pubescence, native to Central Asia but now spreading globally through timber trade. It attacks a wide range of deciduous and coniferous trees. Adults are nocturnal fliers.

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Did You Know?

This beetle has been intercepted in wood packaging materials on every continent except Antarctica.