Another Monster - Phoracantha recurva

The two Eucalyptus borers

are quite common in California by now, they were first observed in the 80ies (P. semipunctata) and the 90es (P. recurva, yours.) We are finding the first ones now in Arizona, too.

… margarethe brummermann, 26 March, 2009 - 12:14am

Its obviously some kind of lo

Its obviously some kind of long horn beetle, but I can't find something exactly like it on this site. I'd like to find out exactly what it is or as close as possible so I can look up more on it like where its from and if its poison, etc. because I really don't have a clue...

… JerisEnigma, 25 March, 2009 - 9:38pm

Not an expert...

...but I'm going to guess that this is likely the Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer (aka Eucalyptus Borer), an exotic from Australia:

If this ID is correct, you can read more info about the species here. The beetle might damage your trees, but it certainly is of no harm to you.

… Harsi S. Parker, 25 March, 2009 - 9:53pm

Whoa... yep.

That's EXACTLY it! I knew it wasn't from around here... Yes, I've seen the two that are in CA like someone higher up said, but not this exact pattern. Its exactly like the Australian one you showed. I know my pics are terrible, but you guys are great, thanks! ^_^

… JerisEnigma, 26 March, 2009 - 11:42am

Glad you are enjoying the site...

...I love being able to get answers to my insect mysteries too.

Just a bit of explanation though -- in Margarethe Brummermann's comment, the two species she was referencing (P. semipunctata and P. recurva) are both actually Australian beetles. She was simply referencing the fact that they can now be found on a regular basis in California. The scientific name for your beetle is Phoracantha recurva or P. recurva. The common name is Eucalyptus Borer. They are both referring to the same beetle though.

Trust me, Margarethe knows her stuff way better than I do! :)

… Harsi S. Parker, 26 March, 2009 - 12:22pm