Ponderous Borer vs Golden Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ponderous Borer Golden Click Beetle
Scientific Name Trichocnemis spiculatus Selatosomus aeneus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Elateridae
Size 40-60 mm 11-16 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Western United States, British Columbia Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ponderous Borer

One of the largest cerambycids in North America, this prionine breeds in the roots and lower trunks of dead ponderosa pines. Adults are dark brown with a somewhat rough body surface. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

Larval development can take up to six years in dry dead wood, one of the longest development times for any beetle.

Golden Click Beetle

A metallic green or bronze click beetle with a bright coppery sheen on the elytra and pronotum. It is common in European forests and grasslands during spring.

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Did You Know?

The brilliant metallic coloration is structural, produced by microscopic surface textures rather than pigments.