Zorion

Zorion species are known to utilise a wide range of exotic and native plants for the purpose of oviposition.^[11] Females of certain species have also been observed to oviposit in cut branches of Eucalyptus sp.^[4] Host plants for these species include freshly dead branches of both native and exotic plants.

Females lay their eggs in or on these host plants and the larvae hatches in approximately 6–25 days depending on species and temperature.^[15] As the larvae are wood-borers, they make tunnels that allow them to feed internally.

Similarly, the larval stage varies depending on environmental factors such as species, climate and temperature, however, the length of this stage is usually between 2 and 36 months,^[15] prior to pupation.

Pupating occurs in September with adults common towards November.^[16] Most pupate within a host plant, but there are some that do so within the soil instead.^[15] There is a tendency for the adult to remain – for a length of time – within the pupae after eclosion, and before emergence.^[15]

Since many Cerambycids do not hibernate, and can feed all year round, they can therefore overwinter at any stage in the life-cycle (excluding the egg stage).^[15]

Zorion mainly feed on pollen from a variety of flowers.^[11][15] They also feed on foliage, bark and even live shoots^[15] prior to the beetle's sexual maturation.^[10] When feeding on flowers, they notably consume small flowers that are arranged into an inflorescence such as the Hebe (Scrophulariaceae) and Pomaderris (Rhamnacaea).^[11] Zorion species also have the habit of feeding between the bark and the sap wood.^[11] Feeding and mating are most prominent between October and March.^[17]

Their larvae are wood-borers^[18] and are known to feed internally on Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka)^[11] where they are sometimes laid in broken branches.

It has been suggested that their behaviour contributes to pollination in plants, where the wide visitation range encourages a lower degree of specialisation. Despite being wood-feeders and having their initial life-cycle within woody substrates, the adults often frequent flowering plants and shrubs for food.^[19][20] Zorion adults are commonly found in a wide range of environments ranging from canopies to shrubs, to dead wood to flowers. It could be suggested that the degree of specialisation in pollination might increase within a species, rather than as an entire genus, given the wide variety of plants and flowers Zorion frequents.

Their range of habitat and frequency to forage in and around flowering plants suggests that it is important to the pollination of New Zealand plants and trees. The plants and trees it frequents for oviposition and food, may also benefit from its presence when it comes to pollination. While adult feeding is insignificant to plants, visiting flowers certainly helps pollinations through feeding and other activities such as mating.

In the genus Zorion, these beetles consume pollen and have the unique characteristic of a specialised structure similar to that in corbiculate bees.^[11] It utilises a 'pollen basket', and is suggested to be an important pollinator for plants like the harakeke, amongst others. As an additional example, Z. minutum confines itself almost exclusively to flowers^[19] and notably helps pollinate the flowers of the Swamp Lawyer (Rubus australis).^[21] Relationships between insect pollinator and flower has evolved unique characteristics that facilitate effective pollination.^[22]