Broad-necked Root Borer
ExploreInsects
Broad-necked Root Borer
Prionus laticollis
The Broad-necked Root Borer is a large, cool beetle with a wide neck! It spends most of its life underground munching on roots before it comes out to play in the summer.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Broad-necked Root Borer is a large, sturdy beetle, typically reddish-brown to dark brown. It has a distinctly broad prothorax, giving it a 'broad-necked' appearance, and long, serrated antennae. Its flattened body is covered by hard wing cases.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCerambycidaeGenusPrionus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult beetles can grow over 60mm long, making them giants among forest insects!
Its antennae look like tiny saws, helping it feel its way and find mates at night!
Its larva can live underground for up to five years, munching on tree roots!
This big beetle can make a squeaking sound if you disturb it, surprising predators!
Special abilities
Ability
Root Ripper Mandibles
Broad-necked Root Borer can chew through incredibly tough tree roots because of its powerful mandibles.
Ability
Underground Explorer
Broad-necked Root Borer larvae can tunnel deep underground for years, finding roots to eat.
Ability
Hardy Exoskeleton
Broad-necked Root Borer has a very tough, dark exoskeleton that protects it from danger.
Ability
Night Navigator
Broad-necked Root Borer uses its long, sensitive antennae to detect signals and navigate in the dark.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 50-100 mm
- Size
- 30-60 mm
- Lifespan
- 1095-1850 days
- Flight Speed
- 12 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on tree roots underground, while adult beetles usually don't eat anything!
Age differences: Larvae consume roots for years, but adults do not feed at all and primarily focus on reproduction.
Primary Foods
- Oak roots
- Maple roots
- Apple tree roots
- Pine roots
- Cherry tree roots
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Larvae feed on its roots.
eats
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Roots provide food for larvae.
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Opossums dig up and eat larvae.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons also prey on larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are not harmful, but it's best to look and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broad-necked Root Borer's wingspan?
50-100 mm
How big is Broad-necked Root Borer?
30-60 mm
How long does Broad-necked Root Borer live?
1095-1850 days
How fast can Broad-necked Root Borer fly?
12 km/h
What does Broad-necked Root Borer eat?
Larvae munch on tree roots underground, while adult beetles usually don't eat anything!
Where is Broad-necked Root Borer usually found?
Forests
How does Broad-necked Root Borer hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Broad-necked Root Borer have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
