Strongylurus cretifer (Longhorn beetle)

In our region, larvae bore in stems and branches of Allocasuarina verticillata, and possibly Exocarpos cupressiformis. Presumably after it finishes feeding, the concealed larva chews away the wood above its feeding tunnel, leaving only the bark to hold the limb (or trunk in the case of small trees) intact, plugs the end of its tunnel with chewed shards of wood, and retreats down the tunnel. The severed limb, which may be several centimetres in diameter, soon breaks off in the wind. These fallen limbs can be commonly found on the ground in forests of A. verticillata around Canberra.

Regional distribution

Strongylurus cretifer is listed in the following regions: