California Root Borer vs Lined Flat Bark Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute California Root Borer Lined Flat Bark Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Prionus californicus Platynus decentis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Carabidae
Size 35-60 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Root Feeders Predators
Regions Western United States, British Columbia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

California Root Borer

A massive prionine beetle found in western North America, one of the largest beetles in the region. Males have conspicuously large, serrated antennae. Larvae are root borers that attack both living and dead trees.

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Did You Know?

Larvae of this species have been found feeding on roots over 2 meters deep in the soil.

Lined Flat Bark Ground Beetle

A medium-sized, flattened ground beetle with a sleek black body and fine striations on its elytra. It is commonly found under bark and in forest floor debris.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely flattened body allows it to squeeze under tight-fitting bark on fallen logs, where it hunts prey that other predators cannot reach.