Amorpha Borer
Megacyllene decora
This record describes Megacyllene decora (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Extremely variable basal yellow bands mostly fused (left)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Clytini
- Genus
- Megacyllene
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to TX-AB - Map ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae bore in the stems of Amorpha fruticosa , the False Indigo , adults common on Goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) in the fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: decora (L). 'elegant'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megacyllene decora. 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 Amorpha Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Amorpha Borer
What is Amorpha Borer?
Amorpha Borer (Megacyllene decora) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Amorpha Borer?
12-25 mm
How do you identify Amorpha Borer?
Extremely variable basal yellow bands mostly fused (left)
Where is Amorpha Borer found?
Range: e. NA to TX-AB - Map ( 3 )
What does Amorpha Borer eat?
The diet of the Amorpha Borer includes Larvae bore in the stems of Amorpha fruticosa , the False Indigo , adults common on Goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) in the fall.
When is Amorpha Borer active?
Amorpha Borer: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct.