Largest longhorn beetle native to USA/North America?

Females of Derobrachus hovorei are quite possibly the largest longhorn beetles found in the US so far as overall size, although, females of some species of Prionus might actually reach a greater mass. Derobrachus is almost like a smaller version of the Amazonian species Titanus giganteus. Attached - a 152 mm specimen of T. giganteus from my collection. Virtually nothing is known about the larva of this species, but we do know that like Derobrachus, is pupates in an earthen cell, possibly at some depth underground, among the roots of huge rainforest trees. Whether or not it feeds on the roots of live trees or dead ones however, I don't know. In my area, the larvae of Mallodon dasystomus appear to feed only on already dead trees, either in the still standing trunk, or in the base / roots.
Did you find that Titan beetle yourself??

 
WOW!! That is huge!!

I've heard (anecdotally) that a big Titanus can actually snap a pencil in half with its jaws. Certainly though, they can easily snap wooden matchsticks (as well as bloody up a finger)!

By now, I assume everyone has seen David Attenborough's footage of the species? -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGPwOwUB1Zc

And an additional clip -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIp-d1khm_Y


Do you think you could get some Mallodon larvae?

Actually, I've not see any Mallodon larvae or adults for quite some time. Best way to get this species is by attracting the adults to a high-power MV light near heavily wooded areas.

Did you find that Titan beetle yourself??

No - found by someone else.

 
I'm trying to get ahold of some Moneilema gigas over here in Southern AZ. I'll let you know if I can successfully breed them if your still interested.

 
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