The bostrichidae are informally known as wood-boring beetles. Young beetle larvae hatch from eggs, burrow into wood, then feed on the material. The larvae range in size and shape, but most are light yellow with dark-colored jaws. The larvae's jaws enable them make tunnels in the wood as they feed on it. The larvae are often undetected by the human eye, since they burrow below wooden surfaces to form tunnels.
Two closely related species account for the majority of beetles within the Cerambycidae family. The subspecies are known as Phoracantha semipunctata and Phoracantha recurva. Both species reside in California, although the former originate from Australia. Similar to the Bostrichidae family, the larvae spend up to three years tunneling through wood. They burrow into eucalyptus trees to create pupal chambers within the heartwood. Other larvae, such as the Prionus Californicus, feed on the roots of deciduous trees.
The Pleacoma, or rain beetle family, is comprised of hundreds of beetle species. Such beetles are only found in North America, specifically in the Northwest's fruit growing regions. The larvae, known as rain beetle grubs, feed on the roots of orchard trees and cause significant damage. The larvae develop slowly, living as long as 10 years underground before emerging. Adult rain beetles have much shorter life spans. They tend to devote their energy to mating.
The siphidae family, or burying beetles, is comprised of the siphinae and nicrophorinae subfamilies. Within the two subfamilies exist approximately 200 species of beetles.The larvae of most burying beetles hatch within a few days and relocate into a pit in the carcass which the parents have created. Burying beetles may select from a bird or mouse carcass to house their young. The larvae digest the carcass's flesh.