Pole Borer
Neandra marginicollis
Active at night in ponderosa woodland at Washington Park, Gila Co., Arizona. 17 July 2016. This individual was under attach by Liometopum ants.
Cerambycidae -- Longhorn Beetle Family
When a grand ponderosa pine finally reaches the end of its life the wood and nutrients must be recycled into the environment and this in turn passes nutrients to its heirs. The pole borers are among the myriad organisms that tunnel into the wood as it decays. The grubs of this and many other beetle species will be found within an active decay. Their development can take years before the adult beetles emerge from a log and begin their own reproductive process. The beetles themselves are also subject to the laws of nature and must eventually be recycled.