The Lesser Ivory-marked Beetle is a Long-horned beetle thanks to its long antennae. It is brown with a slight gray hue, and is punctuated by four sets of white marks or dots. Two of these sets are near the head where the pronotum (neck) connects to the elytra (wing coverings). Another two sets are more than halfway down the elytra. Some individuals are missing the lower set. Others only have a single white mark in each of the four areas. The size of the white marks may be small and barely visible, or they may be quite obvious. Outer marks may be longer than the inner ones.
This is a wood boring beetle, but it uses dead branches, not live ones, so it does not impact the health of a tree like other borers might. Hickory, mesquite, elm, citrus, Jerusalem thorn, Texas ebony, and Arizona white oak are some deciduous trees that this beetle uses as a host plant. Spiny hackberry and boxelder shrubs are also used. Look for adults on host plants in desert, chaparral, backyards, and parks during the hot summer months.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
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.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
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: brown; white; gray
