Class: Hexapoda (animals with six legs - includes all insects)
Order: Coleoptera (beetles)
coleo = sheath and ptera = wings (singular is pteron)
This name refers to the hardened front wings of beetles.
Family: Cerambycidae (long-horned beetles)
The long horns in this case are the antennae.
Species: Prionus sp.
Common Name: giant root borer (not species specific)
Date: 2001 June 09 (seen at various times into July)
Place: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Pine Springs Visitor Center (after dark)
This adult beetle is seen on the wooden boardwalk leading to the Center. All four wings can be seen - the hardened front wings and the more membranous hind wings. This is a large beetle - 1 to 3 inches long, and appears to be a clumsy flier.
Links
Note: This is a personal web site and is not affiliated with the National Park Service or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Contact information for the author, Ron Lyons, is accessible through the Index Page referenced below. Thank you.