Image Credit: Elizabeth and Desmond L. from Grand Bend, ON
Bright yellow and bold black bands suggest warning, but this Flower Longhorn Beetle genus is harmless, and even helpful, to people.
Many species in the Typocerus genus have alternating bands of black or red and yellow on their elytra (wing covering). Some are more auburn red than black. Their broad 'shoulders' taper down to a more narrow abdomen. The long antennae, or horns, helps group them in the Cerambycidae family. Adults are active from spring through autumn visiting flowers for pollen, which helps pollinate the plants they visit. Look for them on wildflowers as well as garden flowers.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Cerambycidae
Genus:Typocerus
Species:spp.
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Typocerus spp.
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 8mm to 16mm (0.31in to 0.62in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: yellow, black
