Brown Beetle
Location: Central Florida
April 10, 2012 9:32 pm
I found this huge beetle on our front window. Do you know what kind it is?
Signature: Shari
Dear Shari,
This magnificent creature is Mallodon dasystomus, commonly called the Hardwood Stump Borer. According to BugGuide: “Larvae bore in live heartwood of trees, esp. oak, sycamore, take 3-4 years to mature. Can be economically damaging. Adults attracted to UV lights.” While this is not a venomous species, a nip from those “robust, gigantic jaws” would likely be quite painful and could possibly draw blood.
They definitely can draw blood. I speak from personal experience.
Thanks for the verification.