Do palo verde beetles bite? What to know about the giant black bugs that are out now

Arizona is home to a vast number of beetle species, with estimates suggesting there are over 2,000 different species of beetles in the state.

One common beetle you'll see in metro Phoenix is the palo verde beetle. These large, dark brown beetles with prominent antennae are named after the palo verde tree, which serves as a primary host for their larvae.

Adult palo verde beetles can grow up to 3.5 inches in length, making them one of the largest beetle species in North America. In Arizona, they are common in residential areas, desert landscapes and urban gardens. Palo verde beetles are most active during the summer monsoon season.

Palo verde beetles have a fearsome appearance. But do they bite? What do they eat? Here's what to know.

Do palo verde beetles bite?

Palo verde beetles do not bite. However, they have strong mandibles that can deliver a noticeable pinch if they are handled roughly or feel threatened, according to Insectek Pest Solutions, an Arizona pest control company.

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Palo verde beetles do not possess venom or stingers and generally pose no significant threat to people.

What do palo verde beetles eat?

Palo verde beetles have distinct feeding habits depending on their life stage.

As larvae, they primarily feed on the roots of trees, particularly the palo verde tree. They also infest the roots of other hardwood trees like mesquite and acacia, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson.

Adult palo verde beetles, on the other hand, do not eat much. They emerge from the soil primarily to mate and lay eggs. Their short adult lifespan is focused on reproduction rather than feeding. Occasionally, adult beetles may eat some fruit or tree bark, but this is not their primary activity during their brief time above ground.