Purpuricenus axillaris Classification Family Cerambycidae > Subfamily Cerambycinae > Tribe Trachyderini > Genus Purpuricenus Diagnostic Features of Larvae Larva. Form elongate, slender; integument shining; mandible with a very faint carina on outer face; basal joint of antennae short very; joints of palpi obliquely truncate at tip; process of palpifer minute; anterior edge of hypostoma nearly straight, finely wrinkled; presternal plates rectangular, separated by a distance equal to their narrowest dimension; eusternal plates rectangular, contiguous; lateral ones less distinct than in Knulliana; posterior area of pronotum coarsely and deeply striate; mesonotum and metanotum alutaceous, shining; ampullae dull, finely granulate to reticulate, not divided. Abdomen less hairy than the other species. Last ventral ampullae striate behind. Spiracles broadly oval, sunken, middle abdominal ones about as large as spiracles. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Biology and Economic Importance This larva is the only species in the tribe in which the habit of girdling has been developed. The work is similar to that of Anelaphus villosus, but larger branches often 2 inches in diameter are severed. It rarely cuts the branch more than once and this incision is of a spiral form from the center outward. Frequently it is found in branches which it does not girdle. Much of the frass is exuded, but only from one or two holes. The life cycle is completed in one year. Adapted from Craighead (1923). Selected References to Larvae Specimens Craighead, 1923