Insects and Spiders - native

Xenomelanophila Wood Boring Beetle (Xenomelanophila miranda) on Aug 8, 2021

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Harlequin patterned yellowish white wing covers with red edge next to thorax. Bluish black thorax. Large eyed flat head with short fine bent antenna. Tree borer shaped with non pronounced chewing mouth parts.

Commentary

Dear Jeff, This is Xenomelanophila miranda, a native metallic wood borer that uses juniper as a larval host. They prefer to attack recently burned juniper and will even attack it while still smoldering after a fire. They have infrared heat detecting structures on their thorax that allows them to detect fire from a distance. Nice find. Thank you, Helmuth Rogg

Helmuth Rogg
Aug. 9, 2021, 2:08 a.m.

Resources

Xenomelanophila Wood Boring Beetle information on iNaturalist

Location

Mowed turf next to conifers.

Expert Reviewer

Mr. Helmuth Rogg

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