Tile-horned Prionus
Prionus imbricornis
This record describes Prionus imbricornis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae with 16–23 segments in ♂, 15–21 in ♀ On mid-summer nights, these hit lighted windows so hard at my house in Durham, NC, that I fear the glass will break. Mostly males come to lights.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Prioninae
- Tribe
- Prionini
- Genus
- Prionus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests and adjacent areas
Geographic Range
e.US (NY‒FL to e.KS‒e.TX); numerous records outside that area are considered in error
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed in living roots, primarily oak and chestnut, but also grape, pear, and corn
Life History
Female lays 100‒200 eggs at base of trees, vines, herbs. Larvae feed on bark and roots. Larval stage lasts ≥3 yrs.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Prionus imbricornis (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prionus imbricornis. 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 Tile-horned Prionus
What is Tile-horned Prionus?
Tile-horned Prionus (Prionus imbricornis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tile-horned Prionus?
♂ 20.7–39.0 mm, ♀ 28.0–54.8 mm
How do you identify Tile-horned Prionus?
Antennae with 16–23 segments in ♂, 15–21 in ♀
Where is Tile-horned Prionus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests and adjacent areas |
| Range | e.US (NY‒FL to e.KS‒e.TX); numerous records outside that area are considered in error |
What does Tile-horned Prionus eat?
The diet of the Tile-horned Prionus includes larvae feed in living roots, primarily oak and chestnut, but also grape, pear, and corn.
What is the life cycle of a Tile-horned Prionus?
Female lays 100‒200 eggs at base of trees, vines, herbs. Larvae feed on bark and roots. Larval stage lasts ≥3 yrs.