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Have you seen a big black bug flying around your yard? Don’t worry, you probably just met one of Arizona’s most famous summer visitors: the palo verde beetle.
These giant beetles may look intimidating with their long antennae, dark bodies and impressive size, but they are actually harmless and are not out looking for trouble.
Palo verde beetles are large desert insects that spend most of their lives underground as larvae, feeding on the roots of trees and shrubs. After several years underground, they emerge as adults, usually during Arizona’s summer monsoons, when people often spot them wandering around sidewalks, yards and near outdoor lights.
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Despite their size, palo verde beetles are surprisingly clumsy flyers. When they take off, they make a loud buzzing sound and may appear like a tiny flying helicopter as they move through the air. Their main goal as adults is to find a mate and reproduce, not bother people or pets.
Here’s everything to know about palo verde beetles.
Are palo verde beetles harmless?
Palo verde beetles are not considered harmful to humans or pets. Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, they do not bite or sting.
“People grab them and they aren’t very threatening and they won’t fight you. They are not going to be aggressive. They may make a little hissing-type sound when you grab them and they just want you to let them go,” said Richard Hofstetter, professor of forest entomology at Northern Arizona University.
Are palo verde beetles native to Arizona?
Yes, palo verde beetles are native to Arizona. They are commonly spotted across the state, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, during the summer monsoon season.
Are palo verde beetles aggressive?
Palo verde beetles are not aggressive toward humans or animals.
“Even if it lands on you, it's not going to bite you unless you, like, press it against your body and it's just going to try to get away,” Hofstetter said.
How painful is a palo verde beetle bite?
A palo verde beetle bite can be surprisingly painful. These beetles have strong mandibles, jaws, that they use for chewing and gripping, and if they are handled or feel threatened, they may pinch as a defense.
The bite is often described as a sharp pinch, similar to a strong fingernail pinch. Because palo verde beetles are large and have powerful jaws, the sensation can be startling and may leave a small red mark or temporary soreness. They do not have venom, and they are not trying to attack humans.
What's the biggest bug in Arizona?
Palo verde beetle take the title of biggest bug in Arizona. Adult palo verde beetles are typically 3 to 4 inches long, though they can occasionally grow up to 5 inches.
“This is a very large beetle," Hofstetter said. "One of the largest beetles in North America when it's an adult, and just for that reason people see it and are aware of it."
How to get rid of palo verde beetle in Arizona?
According to the University of Arizona, “There are really no effective control measures for the palo verde beetles." However, you can take steps to deter them:
- Remove food sources: Since adult palo verde beetles feed on nectar and pollen, reducing the availability of flowering plants can make the area less attractive to them.
- Reduce outdoor lighting: Palo verde beetles are attracted to light, so minimizing outdoor lighting, especially bright white or ultraviolet lights, can help reduce their attraction to specific areas.
- Block entry points: Ensure that doors, windows and other entry points are properly sealed to prevent palo verde beetles from getting indoors.
- Trim vegetation: Keep trees, shrubs and other vegetation well-trimmed and away from buildings to deter them from laying eggs near structures.
- Control moisture: Palo verde beetles are attracted to moisture, so repairing leaks and drainage issues can make your yard and house less hospitable.
- Add barriers: Physical barriers, such as fine mesh screens or plant covers, can prevent palo verde beetles from feeding or laying eggs on a plant.
- Use pesticides with care: Insecticides labeled for palo verde beetles may be applied to affected areas in severe infestations. These should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other preventive measures.
What attracts palo verde beetles?
Palo verde beetles are attracted to several things, one of the main things is light. They are often drawn to porch lights, outdoor fixtures, streetlights and illuminated windows, which is why many homeowners spot them around their houses on warm summer nights. They are also attracted to warm temperatures and humid conditions that come with Arizona’s summer monsoon season.
Female palo verde beetles look for areas with suitable plants where they can lay their eggs. They are especially attracted to the roots of palo verde trees and other desert landscaping because their larvae spend several years underground feeding on tree roots before becoming adults. Homes with mature desert trees, irrigated landscapes, and healthy vegetation may be more likely to see these beetles.
Are palo verde beetles roaches?
No, a palo verde beetle is not a cockroach. Although palo verde beetles can be mistaken for cockroaches due to their large size and dark coloration, they are entirely different insects.
How long do palo verde beetles live?
Palo verde beetles have a surprisingly long life cycle, but most of that time is spent underground. The larval stage can last about 2 to 4 years, as the larvae live beneath the soil and feed on the roots of desert trees and shrubs.
Once they become adult beetles, their time above ground is much shorter. Adult palo verde beetles usually live for only a few weeks, often around one month or less.
Are palo verde beetles toxic to dogs?
Although palo verde beetles are not poisonous to dogs, monitor your pet closely for signs of illness or discomfort.
Ingesting any foreign object, especially an insect, could cause gastrointestinal upset or other health issues.
Although Hofstetter said palo verde beetles are not poisonous, it's possible they could eat something poisonous that might affect your pet.
Call your veterinarian if your dog exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or difficulty breathing after eating a palo verde beetle.
Can you pick up a palo verde beetle?
Yes, you can pick up a palo verde beetle, but it’s usually better to admire them without handling them. These beetles are not poisonous, venomous, or aggressive, and they do not want to hurt people. However, if they feel threatened, they can use their strong jaws to give a painful pinch.
If you do need to move one, it’s safest to let it crawl onto a stick, piece of cardboard, or container rather than grabbing it. If you gently pick it up, avoid squeezing its body and keep your fingers away from its head and mandibles. They have sharp claws on their legs that can also feel scratchy as they hold on.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These giant bugs are out in Arizona. Your guide to palo verde beetles
