Large longicorn repeatedly appearing at this time of year

PHOTOS & OBSERVATIONS: Dewald Kamffer, Modjadjiskloof.
Published to iNaturalist at his request and with his permission.

 
Adult longhorn beetles of this species found in citrus trees in home garden. Found in different citrus species & varieties: oranges and lemons and grapefruit and naartjie|tangerine. The beetles cause great damage by feeding on leaves. Larvae or their activity not seen yet; perhaps they do not develop in citrus stems|branches; observations are continuing.

It seems that the adults of this 'bycid emerge after the first good rain, which nowadays at this location falls in November. The adult beetles are common in a pesticide-free home garden, but—despite frequent visits there—are not seen in commercial citrus orchards. Commercial orchards in this region are heavily dosed with chemicals at this time of year.

Body length of adult c. 13–15 mm.