The Banded Longhorn is a slender, wasp-mimicking longhorn beetle with alternating yellow and black bands on its elytra and a striking resemblance to a yellowjacket wasp. It is frequently found nectaring on flowers, especially milkweed and goldenrod, reinforcing its mimetic disguise. Larvae develop in roots and decaying wood of deciduous trees.
Best time to see a Banded Longhorn
The best time to see a Banded Longhorn is July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,330 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Banded Longhorn? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Banded Longhorn sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Banded Longhorn? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Banded Longhorn is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.