Golden-haired flower longhorn (Lepturobosca chrysocoma)

Not much is known about the golden-haired flower longhorn beetle, but we do know they give off a shimmer when seen in the sunlight. The species chrysocoma translates to “gold-haired” in Greek. While viewing these insects in nature, you will notice the metallic shimmer their fine hairs give off. These hairs are also an important trait these beetles have for pollination. Even though they are as efficient as bees in pollination, some beetles still are important pollinators in our ecosystems. Another comparison between this beetle and other bees is that the adults share the same diet of pollen and nectar, but the larvae feed on decaying wood of several species of trees.

These beautiful beetles are found in forests all across North America. In Wyoming, there has been documentation of seeing them in June through August. From personal experience, I have viewed them on sticky geranium flowers (Geranium viscosissimum) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

Written by Anna Cressman
PC: Logan Crees