Cactus Longhorn Beetle
Common Name: Cactus Longhorn Beetle
Scientific Name: Moneilema gigas
Order: Coleoptera
Range: This species is found in Arizona, but related species can be found from Texas to California.
Diet: All Moneilema sp. feed on cacti, especially chollas (Opuntia sp.) as larvae and adults.
Reader Rail Information: These beetles closely resemble the noxious darkling beetles (Eleodes sp.) for protection from predators. It is also difficult for predators to catch cactus longhorns when they are foraging due to the spiny nature of their host plants.
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