Cactus Longhorn Beetle
Moneilema gigas
Photographed at night at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the growing tip of Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi). May 2013. Length is close to 25mm.
Cerambycidae -- Longhorn Beetle Family
Succulent cacti are popular plants in xeriscape gardens in the Sonoran Desert. With extra water and good fertile soil plants grow vigorously and soon draw the attention of cactus longhorns. Adult cactus longhorns feed on the tender shoots and buds of cacti and the immature larvae are grubs that tunnel through the stems. The elytra (first wing pair) are very hard and this beetle is flightless.