Other Common Names
Elder Borer, Cloaked Knotty-horn
(1)Identification
Large, dark blue and shining, base (front) of elytra yellow or reddish-yellow. Three ridges on each elytron. Antennal segments have enlarged tips.
Range
Central and eastern North America, especially Northeast, apparently extending southwards in Appalachians, west to Oklahoma.
Habitat
Swampy areas and edges of streams with host plant.
Food
Adults feed on pollen, found on flowers, especially those of elderberry,
Sambucus,
(2).
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on elderberry,
Sambucus. Eggs are laid on stems, near base of plant. Larvae burrow into stems and then tunnel down to feed on living roots
(1) (2) (3).
Print References
Milne, p. 592, fig. 164--photo
(1)
Dillon, p. 623, plate 62
(2)
Yanega, p. 28, fig. 221
(3)
Arnett and Jacques, #164--photo
(4)
Arnett et al. p. 302, fig. 707
(5)
Papp, p. 223, fig. 743
(6)
Brimley, p. 214, lists from mountains and upper Piedmont of North Carolina, April-August
(7)
