The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), also known as long-horned or longicorns, are a large family of beetles, with over 35,000 species described. Most species are characterized by extremely long antennae, which are often as long as or longer than the beetle's body. In various members of the family, however, the antennae are quite short and such species can be difficult to distinguish from related beetle families such as the Chrysomelidae. The scientific name of this beetle family goes back to a figure from Greek mythology: after an argument with nymphs, the shepherd Cerambus was transformed into a large beetle with horns.
The Prioninae are a subfamily of Cerambycidae. They are typically large (25–70 mm) and usually brown or black. The males of a few genera sport large mandibles that are used in fights with other males, similar to stag beetles. These beetles are commonly nocturnal and are attracted to light. The majority of the Prioninae whose biology is known are borers whose larvae feed on rotting wood or roots.
Derobrachus is a genus of beetles in the Cerambycidae. It contains the following species:
Macrodontia is an American genus of long-horned beetles remarkable for their large size and for the large mandibles of the males in particular.
Spondylidinae are a small subfamily of Cerambycidae including slightly over 100 species, primarily in the coniferous forests of the Boreal hemisphere. A few species occur in coniferous forests in tropical and subtropical areas, while very few genera are present in Austral Africa and Madagascar. Some sources spell the name as Spondylinae.
The Disteniidae are a small family of beetles in the superfamily Chrysomeloidea, traditionally treated as a group within the Cerambycidae.
The Oxypeltidae are a small family belonging to the superfamily Chrysomeloidea, widespread in the Andean region of Chile and Argentina. They have traditionally been considered a group within the Cerambycidae.
The Vesperidae are a small family of beetles, normally classified within the family Cerambycidae, of heterogeneous aspect but all characterised by larval stages related to roots of herbaceous plants or trees
Ucai is a genus of beetles in the longhorn beetle family, Cerambycidae. It was erected in 2009 with the description of a new species from Brazil. A second species was described in 2014.
Strongylaspis is a genus of beetles in the longhorn beetle family, Cerambycidae.
Derobrachus drumonti is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Santos-Silva in 2007.
Derobrachus chemsaki is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Santos-Silva in 2007.
Derobrachus digueti is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Lameere in 1915.
Derobrachus megacles is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Henry Walter Bates in 1884. It is found in Mexico and Guatemala.
Derobrachus hovorei is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae, known variously as the palo verde beetle, palo verde root borer, or palo verde borer beetle. For over 100 years, this species was confused with the related species Derobrachus geminatus, and only recognized and given its own name by Santos-Silva in 2007; essentially all literature prior to 2007 therefore incorrectly uses the name geminatus for this species. It is a longhorn beetle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico which derives its common name from the palo verde tree, and it is one of the largest beetles in North America, reaching up to three and a half inches in length. Adults are black or brown in colour, have long antennae, and spines on the thorax. They have wings and can fly, albeit awkwardly at times. Mature beetles emerge in the summer to mate. Adults do not eat, and rely solely on their energy reserves until they die in about one month. While not harmful to humans, they can bite in self-defense.
Derobrachus lingafelteri is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Santos-Silva in 2007.
Derobrachus wappesi is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Santos-Silva in 2007.
Derobrachus thomasi is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Santos-Silva in 2007.
Derobrachus leechi is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Chemsak & Linsley in 1977.
Derobrachus inaequalis is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Henry Walter Bates in 1872.
