Cottonwood Borer vs Goldsmith Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cottonwood Borer | Goldsmith Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plectrodera scalator | Cotalpa lanigera |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cerambycidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 25-40 mm | 20-26mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Orchards |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Central and eastern United States | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cottonwood Borer
A large longhorn beetle with bold black and white patterning and long antennae. Its larvae bore into the roots and lower trunks of cottonwood and willow trees.
Did You Know?
When handled, it produces a loud squeaking sound by rubbing parts of its thorax together.
Goldsmith Beetle
A beautiful golden-yellow scarab beetle with a metallic luster and fuzzy underside. It is attracted to lights on warm summer nights.
Did You Know?
Its genus name Cotalpa means golden shield referring to its remarkably bright metallic golden coloration.