Beetles

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Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle - adult, pinned

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (3/4" long)
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus
Federal Status: Threatened

Several specimens of the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle On the left there are three different specimens of the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. They were collected by Dennis Haines of the California Agricultural Department, Tulare County. Dennis says the skinny one in the middle is the one that was found in Three Rivers and is the one that is suspected to be living at Kaweah Oaks Preserve.

Valley Elderberyy Longhorned Beetle exit hole
Beginning in late October 2001, we will be diligently searching for Valley Elderberry Longhorned Beetle (VELB) exit holes in the elderberries on the northeast side of our preserve. If we can document the presence of this threatened species on KOP, Cal Trans may find the funds to acquire the old plum orchard for the sole purpose to restore habitat that will encourage the reproduction of this species.

Oak Root Borer Beetle
Prionus californicus

Oak root borer beetle
This is a very BIG "bug"

According to Dennis Haines with the Ag Dept., our resident expert on insects and plants in the Central Valley: As the name implies they feed on the roots and root-crown areas of the tree. They can cause significant damage in weak trees. The aboriginal peoples of the area considered their larvae a great delicacy when roasted. (Let us know if you agree!)
Images - I. Lindsey

Here's a few links to nice web sites about beetles for you to explore:

The Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle	JAY PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHIC
LADY BEETLES	BEETLE IMAGES

We have a 'gazillion' different beetles at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. No one has done a focused study on our beetles as on the plants, spiders and birds. If you are so inclined... let us know and we'll do all we can to accomodate you.

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