What bug is this?
We found this bug (beetle?) on the front step of our home in Southern California. It was about 2 inches long. What is it? When we moved it, it made a loud “swishing noise”. We think the noise came from it’s back legs. What a cool BUG!
Gage
Hi Gage,
This majestic beetle is a male California Prionus, Prionus californicus. The beetle grubs are root borers that, if plentiful, can be very injurious to native trees like oak, madrona, and cottonwood as well as some fruit trees.