ColeopteraCerambycidae – Longhorn Beetles

Living-hickory Borer

Goes pulcher

This record describes Goes pulcher (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Living-hickory Borer - Goes pulcher
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess

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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Living-hickory Borer (5)

Living-hickory Borer - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Living-hickory Borer - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Living-hickory Borer - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Living-hickory Borer - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Living-hickory Borer - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess

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?
FeatureDetails
HabitatDeciduous forests
Rangee. 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 )

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Matthew Roth , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.