Other Common Names
Longicorne noir (French), Oil Sands Beetle, Tar Sands Beetle
Identification
Similar to others of its genus, but scutellum white. (Scutellum is the little triangle at the front of the elytra, or wing covers.)
Male:
Female:
Range
Coniferous forests of North America, esp. northeastern United States, upper midwest, much of Canada, plus southward in Appalachians.
Here's a distribution map for species: (this link no longer directs to the map)
Season
June-September(adult, Canada)
Life Cycle
Two-year life cycle. Larvae excavates galleries in coniferous trees, often after they are damaged by a fire, storm, etc. Common hosts are: Balsam fir, spruces and white pine
Remarks
Guide TBA--PC. (print references, more on life cycle)
The local (to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada) common names of Oil Sands Beetle and Tar Sands Beetle are due to the attraction of this insect to oil sands. Apparently the attraction is the scent of bitumen, chemically similar to compounds released by the diseased or damaged coniferous trees where they are attracted to lay their eggs.
