Palo Verde Root Borer
Derobrachus hovorei
This record describes Derobrachus hovorei (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see ; distinguished from true D. geminatus (formerly D. forreri ) by its more weakly striolate antennae. ―Ted MacRae
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Prioninae
- Tribe
- Prionini
- Genus
- Derobrachus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA to NV & TX, n.Mexico ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on roots of living trees; hosts: Cercidium, Populus, Quercus, Populus, Prosopis, Ulmus, Parkinsonia, Morus, Citrus, Vitis ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Derobrachus hovorei Santos-Silva 2007
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Derobrachus hovorei. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Palo Verde Root Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Palo Verde Root Borer
What is Palo Verde Root Borer?
Palo Verde Root Borer (Derobrachus hovorei) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Palo Verde Root Borer?
54‒66 mm sans mandibles
How do you identify Palo Verde Root Borer?
see ; distinguished from true D. geminatus (formerly D. forreri ) by its more weakly striolate antennae. ―Ted MacRae
Where is Palo Verde Root Borer found?
Range: CA to NV & TX, n.Mexico ( 3 )
What does Palo Verde Root Borer eat?
The diet of the Palo Verde Root Borer includes Larvae feed on roots of living trees; hosts: Cercidium, Populus, Quercus, Populus, Prosopis, Ulmus, Parkinsonia, Morus, Citrus, Vitis ( 3 ) ( 4 ).