Subfamily Prioninae

Classification · Size · Identification · Remarks · Print References · Works Cited

Hardwood Stump Borer (Mallodon dasystomus)?? In Arizona? - Nothopleurus lobigenis

BIG Longhorn Beetle-any idea which species? - Orthosoma brunneum

Brown beetle, 3+ inches long, pinchers, long antenna. found in evening, Texas panhandle, in area of lake. - Derobrachus

Male prionid with long mandibels - Nothopleurus lobigenis - male

Ponderous borer - Ergates spiculatus - female

Unknown Longhorn - Prionus debilis - male

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Coleoptera (Beetles)

Suborder Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Longhorn, Leaf and Snout Beetles)

Superfamily Chrysomeloidea (Long-horned and Leaf Beetles)

Family Cerambycidae (Longhorned Beetles)

Subfamily Prioninae

Size

25-70 mm

Identification

Large and robust Longhorns, usually brown to black. Antennae long, prominent, sometimes flattened. Often sexually dimorphic, males having large, strong jaws. Presumably these are used in intra-specific fights.

Remarks

Nocturnal, attracted to lights. Larvae usually feed on rotting wood, often wood in contact with soil, such as roots. Tree-associated species often have gregarious larvae.

This subfamily could be called "really big borers".

Print References

Yanega, p. 26 (1)

Dillon, p. 575, plate LVII (2)

1996. Chemsak, A.J. Illustrated Revision of the Cerambycidae of North America. Vol. I, Subfamilies Parandrinae, Spondylidinae, Aseminae, Prioninae. Wolfsgarden Press, Burbank, ix+150pp., 10 pls.

1962. Linsley E.G. The Cerambycidae of North America. Part II. Taxonomy and classification of the Parandrinae, Prioninae, Spondylinae and Aseminae. Univ. Calif. Publ. Entomol., 19:1-102, 1 pl., 34 figs.

Works Cited

1.	Field Guide to Northeastern Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) By Douglas Yanega

2.	A Manual of Common Beetles of Eastern North America By Dillon, Elizabeth S., and Dillon, Lawrence

Contributed by Cotinis on 21 July, 2004 - 3:49pm
Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian
Last updated 21 June, 2005 - 1:47pm

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