Bellamira scalaris Classification Family Cerambycidae > Subfamily Lepturinae > Tribe Lepturini > Genus Bellamira Diagnostic Features of Larvae Larva. Form elongate, slender, tapering, cylindrical; integument smooth, shining, sparsely covered with short fine hairs. Head sub-orbicular, widest behind middle, slightly chitinized; mouth-frame strongly corneous, dark; hypostoma thin, straight; clypeus and labrum thin; latter narrowly oval, twice as wide as long, anterior margin flatly rounded, ciliated with castaneous hairs; mandible slender, triangular from side, apex very acute, dorsal tooth strong, acute, outer face with a band of fine striae across middle; antennae small, retractile; one rather prominent ocellus. Palpi slender, last maxillary joint conical, last labial cylindrical, both shorter than respective penultimate joints; lacinia short, conical; subfossal-spine distinct; gula not distinct. Prothorax widest in front; protergum with a transverse, anterior, lemon-yellow band, widened on lateral area; pronotum beset with few short hairs, posteriorly rugulose; sternum more hairy than usual; eusternum triangular and with two triangular blotches of velvety pubescence on posterior angles. Mesonotum and metanotum velvety pubescent ; sterna with an anterior band of velvety pubescence, tuberculate. Legs rather stout, tarsus appendiculate, arcuate. Abdomen; Seven dorsal ampullae bearing four irregular rows of small, projecting, separated tubercles; the ventral ampullae two rows; pleural tubercle sub-orbiculate, bearing two long setae on posterior margin. Spiracles narrowly oval, not strongly rimmed. Pupa; Very slender, tapering; pronotum with two groups of short subulate setae on posterior margin, two orbicular ones on metatergum, and two transverse groups on each abdominal tergum, the last bearing two conical fleshy spines and a border of more slender spines along hind margin. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Biology and Economic Importance The larvae feed indiscriminately in almost all coniferous or hardwood trees provided the proper conditions of moisture and decay are present. They require well-rotted logs in very moist situations. The mines are large and irregular, extend through the sapwood and heartwood, and are filled with loose, fibrous frass. This species has been collected from Fagus, Acer, Populus, Pinus and Tsuga throughout the eastern US. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Selected References to Larvae Specimens Craighead, 1923