Longhorn Beetles from Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve

Longhorn Beetles from Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve

Some Longhorn Beetles (Cerambycidae) from Haarwegskloof Renosterveld reserve. These beetles can be identified by their long antennae. The Fig Tree borer is the best known, and most hated, member of this family. Their grubs bore into and can kill domestic fig-trees. The species shown here all have specific indigenous trees that they bore into and the grubs can take up to 2 years to mature.

Longhorns grubs
This Longhorns grubs can be found tunneling in Milkwood trees.

They are important for Renosterveld ecology as they break down wood and provide food for woodpeckers and other animals.

Orange-eyed Longhorn
Orange-eyed Longhorn (Zographus oculator) visiting a Taaibos (Searsia pallens). The grubs can be found tunneling in dead Sweetthorn trees(Acacia karroo).
Gahania simmondsi
Could be Gahania simmondsi
Metallic Longhorn
Metallic Longhorn visiting a Klaas Louw flower