Living-hickory Borer
Goes pulcher
This record describes Goes pulcher (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Broad banded markings are distinctive. Uncommon ( 5 )
Identification notes
Broad banded markings are distinctive.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Monochamini
- Genus
- Goes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Geographic Range
e. US to c. OK - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts
Seasonal Activity
mostly: June-August (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in living Carya (including C. illinoinensis ). Ulmus and Quercus are potential hosts. ( 5 )
Life History
Eggs are laid in twig crotches. The larvae feed for 2-4 years. ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pulcher (L). 'beautiful'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Goes pulcher. 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 Living-hickory Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Living-hickory Borer
What is Living-hickory Borer?
Living-hickory Borer (Goes pulcher) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Living-hickory Borer?
body length 18-27 mm
How do you identify Living-hickory Borer?
Broad banded markings are distinctive.
Where is Living-hickory Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests |
| Range | e. US to c. OK - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts |
What does Living-hickory Borer eat?
The diet of the Living-hickory Borer includes Larvae feed in living Carya (including C. illinoinensis ). Ulmus and Quercus are potential hosts. ( 5 ).
When is Living-hickory Borer active?
Living-hickory Borer: seasonal activity - mostly: June-August (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Living-hickory Borer?
Eggs are laid in twig crotches. The larvae feed for 2-4 years. ( 6 )
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