Cottonwood Longhorn (Plectrodera scalator)

[Goliathus]

Found this big female Cottonwood Longhorn (Plectrodera scalator) on a cottonwood in my front yard over the weekend.  I've not seen one of these for at least several years.  Very unique looking, large species - probably my favorite native US cerambycid.  The pattern on the elytra is unique to each individual.  The life cycle takes between 1-3 years - 
 

 

[Ratmosphere]

Love the color pattern. 

 

[Garin]

Wow, that is an awesome bycid! Finding something like that in your own front yard is even more amazing! It's rare that I get anything at my house that's interesting. Maybe one day I will live in a location that has lots of cool bugs.

 

[Goliathus]

The iridescent species Plinthocoelium suaveolens is also found here at my place, and appears either blue or green, depending on viewing angle.  Its host tree is Bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum) - 

 

[Garin]

Wow, lucky you!!