Megacyllene robiniae

Locust Borer Beetle, Megacyllene robiniae

Emilie and I came across this little feller the other afternoon dining on one of the Goldenrods growing in our yard. This insect has a fondness for Black Locust trees which we don't have in our yard and come to think of it I don't recall seeing any in the neighbor's yard either, but it's safe to say there is at least one tree nearby.

Locust Borer Fun Facts:

• The adult locust borer is a slender, "long-horned" beetle, about three-quarters of an inch long, with reddish legs and black antennae. Bright yellow bands encircle its jet-black body. A W-shaped band extends across the wing covers. Males and females are similar in appearance.

• The conspicuous, brightly colored adult locust borer resembles a wasp or hornet being black with bright yellow markings and it often seen when the goldenrod is in bloom.

• The borer attacks only black locust; the honey locust is not affected. Locust borer larvae tunnel into a tree's trunk and branches, weakening the tree and making it susceptible to wind breakage.