Insect · GBIF taxon 1145165
Trachysida mutabilis
Trachysida mutabilisAlso known as Variable Flower Longhorn, Changing Flower Longhorn Beetle
Variable flower longhorns are active daytime beetles named for their remarkably diverse wing cover patterns, which range from reddish-tan to nearly solid black. Adults gather on summer wildflowers to feed on pollen and nectar, serving as minor pollinators across North American woodlands. Their larvae tunnel through decaying wood of dead or dying trees, accelerating forest nutrient cycling.
DiurnalWood-BoringPollinator
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower pollen
- Floral nectar
- Tree sap
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Spiders
- Robber flies
ThreatsRemoval of fallen dead wood and forestry clearing
HabitatsMixed hardwood forests, coniferous woodlands, and forest edges
Life span1–3 years (majority spent in larval stage)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColeoptera
- FamilyCerambycidae
- GenusTrachysida
- SpeciesTrachysida mutabilis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look on Flowers: Search sunny patches of yarrow, spirea, and wild rose blossoms during warm afternoons.
- Watch for Variation: Compare multiple individuals to spot the wide range of elytra color patterns.
- Leave Dead Wood: Retain fallen logs and rotting snags in wooded areas to protect larval habitat.
Close Relative (c) Steven Whitebread, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steven Whitebread · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative 
Family Member (c) Jimmy Dee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Jimmy Dee · cc-by-sa
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