Eggs are laid in decaying wood matter, which is what the larva will feed on while developing. Before laying her eggs the female will pack the wood material with her hind legs in the spot where she is going to lay an egg. She then inserts her ovipositor into this packed area making a small chamber where the egg is laid. The egg incubates for 3 or 4 months. After the eggs hatch, the larva feeds on rotting wood in which they are buried. The larva grows in size and continues eating for approximately 8 months. During this time it will molt several times. Once the larva is fully developed it will go through complete metamorphoses and change into an adult. Adults emerge from the wood and fly off to search of food and mates.
Wesley H. Fisher & Jason Spaar
ENT 301; Fall 2000
