Giant Palm Borer vs Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Palm Borer Alder Cimbicid Sawfly
Scientific Name Dinapate wrightii Cimbex americanus
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Bostrichidae Cimbicidae
Size 40-52 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Giant Palm Borer

One of the largest bostrichid beetles, with a cylindrical body adapted for boring into palm trunks. Larvae take years to develop.

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Did You Know?

Its larval development can take 10 years or more inside a palm trunk before adults emerge.

Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

The largest sawfly in North America, with a robust body up to 25 mm long, clubbed antennae, and smoky brown wings. Body color varies from black to brownish-yellow.

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Did You Know?

The large, green larvae can squirt a fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, similar to their European relative Cimbex femoratus.