Sphenostethus is a genus of beetles in the family Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Sphenostethus taslei.[1]
It is found throughout the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania to Texas.[2] Craighead noted that its larvae are unusual in their habit of boring into dry dead treetop limbs, rather than damp wood near the ground This point was contested by Vlasak & Vlasakova, who recorded that S. taslei larvae were more frequently found in fallen limbs, not necessarily preferring treetop branches. They also argued against the association with dry branches, finding instead a larval preference for limbs of smaller diameter compared to other prionids.[3] Various hardwoods are used as larval hosts, including oak, chestnut, and redbud. They are also frequently found in American beech.[4] Craighead remarked that the adults of this species are rarely seen, but the larvae are quite common.