Subject: Strange bug
Geographic location of the bug: New Jersey, USA
Date: 08/18/2018
Time: 09:54 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Just something ive never seen before
How you want your letter signed: Brian
Dear Brian,
This striking Locust Borer is an excellent Yellowjacket mimic. According to BugGuide: “Considered a serious pest of Black Locust; previously weakened or damaged trees are often killed by the larvae. Previously confined to the native range of Black Locust in the northeast, it has spread with the trees throughout the US and parts of Canada. Black Locust is used for reclamation and similar projects where trees are likely to be stressed and thus more vulnerable to damage.” Adult Locust Borers are often found feeding on Goldenrod.