What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Locust Borer

Posted by September 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Categories

Longhorn Beetles

Please ID this beetle found on Cape Cod
I found several beetles like this in a patch of flowers in a saltwater marsh on Cape Cod. There were lots of aggressive wasps around the flowers that chased off bees and other insects that approached (and me!), but these beetles were left alone. I have never seen this beetle before, and I’d like to know what it is. Also, is the black and yellow coloration a strategy to fool the wasps into accepting their presence?
East Sandwich, CApe Cod, MA
Tim Crowninshield

locust borer tim 300x252 Locust Borer

Locust Borer

Hi Tim,
What a positively gorgeous photo of a Locust Borer.  These wasp mimic beetles are found in the late summer and early autumn, and they are frequently associated with goldenrod blossoms.  Their coloration helps them fool potential enemies.

Related Posts

 

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Post a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.