Paloverde Root Borer (BIG Longhorn beetle)

[c.j.]

Paloverde Root Borer Derobrachus geminatus Family - Cerambycidae

These guys are huge and as the name implies, are root borers. They are very destructive (I have some dying trees to show for it!). Their larvae eat tree roots.




Canon EOS Rebel XT Digital SLR
Canon Macro Lens EF 100mm 1:2.8
Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash

on a tripod, triggered with Canon RC-1 remote

[Knight]

What are we talking about for size here C.J ? Good Capture

[c.j.]

What are we talking about for size here C.J ? Good Capture

I'm getting 2 5/16 inches.

Here's a shot with a rule.

Yes, I put it in a can. No I didn't pick it up by hand (pincers can hurt!) It will be fed to a roadrunner or something big.

Thanks for the compliments, Knight! Thanks to everyone for the compliments AND critiques/notes for improvement on my postings. It is helping me a lot and I hope to keep improving my captures.

Both Canon yadda, yadda, yadda…


handheld

[paulnj]

This is a very nice image. The DOF and angle are quite nice. I am tired of looking at bug ID shots from directly above(they are ordinary and boring usually). This is an angle that is far more pleasing to me atleast.

[Loupey]

Thanks for the demonstration, C.J.! I can see why they would be so destructive. I imagine the larvae are quite ravenous.

I don't think I would have used my hand either. Thanks for sharing.