281. California or Prionus Root Borer

It is hard to believe that we had never seen this long-horn beetle at Leaning Oaks (or anywhere for that matter) until it came crashing into the sliding glass doors the other night. Mind you, the adults only live for 10-20 days and don't feed, their focus on finding a mate and then the female will lay up to 200 eggs. The rest of the life cycle can take three to five years, mainly in the larval stage.  Prionus californicus  larvae will burrow in the roots of deciduous or coniferous trees and can become a serious in orchards.  They will kill the host plant either by directly killing the root, or bacteria or fungal pathogens will attack the tree through the damaged roots. 

The Prionus Root Borer is found from Mexico to Alaska and emerges as in adult usually in July. The maggots or larvae can grow to 11.5 cm and are edible. No thanks.