Mesquite Borer
Placosternus difficilis
This record describes Placosternus difficilis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mesquite Borer (Placosternus difficilis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Clytini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Placosternus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 10-17 mm. It is found in Adults active day and night, running rapidly along freshly cut branches of their host plants and feeding on the blossoms of Koeberlinia, Acacia, Baccharis, Bumelia, Clematis, and Solidago. Active during Feb-Nov (mostly spring & fall) in sTX , mostly Jul-Oct in nTX.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Clytini
- Genus
- Placosternus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults active day and night, running rapidly along freshly cut branches of their host plants and feeding on the blossoms of Koeberlinia, Acacia, Baccharis, Bumelia, Clematis, and Solidago ( 4 )
Geographic Range
so US (CA-TX, FL) to Honduras; West Indies ; throughout TX
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Nov (mostly spring & fall) in sTX ( 4 ) , mostly Jul-Oct in nTX ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Prosopis, Acacia, Pithecellobium, Platanus, Citrus, Leucaena ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Placosternus difficilis (Chevrolat 1862)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Placosternus difficilis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesquite Borer
What is Mesquite Borer?
Mesquite Borer (Placosternus difficilis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mesquite Borer?
10-17 mm
Where is Mesquite Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults active day and night, running rapidly along freshly cut branches of their host plants and feeding on the blossoms of Koeberlinia, Acacia, Baccharis, Bumelia, Clematis, and Solidago ( 4 ) |
| Range | so US (CA-TX, FL) to Honduras; West Indies ; throughout TX |
What does Mesquite Borer eat?
The diet of the Mesquite Borer includes Larval hosts: Prosopis, Acacia, Pithecellobium, Platanus, Citrus, Leucaena ( 4 ).
When is Mesquite Borer active?
Mesquite Borer: seasonal activity - Feb-Nov (mostly spring & fall) in sTX ( 4 ) , mostly Jul-Oct in nTX ( 5 ).