Oberea linearis

Definition

A species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) native to Europe, described by Linnaeus in 1761. Adults are slender and elongate, typical of the genus Oberea, and feed on the foliage and young stems of several broadleaf trees including walnut (Juglans regia), hazel (Corylus avellana), elm (Ulmus glabra), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). The larvae are internal borers in living twigs and branches, making this species an occasional pest in orchards and managed woodlands. Several infraspecific forms have been described, including the variety Oberea linearis var. parallela.

Etymology

From Latin linearis (linear, line-like), referring to the slender, elongate body form; Oberea from Greek obereia (pertaining to the groin or hip, possibly alluding to body shape).

Example

In central European walnut orchards, Oberea linearis larvae tunnel through one- to two-year-old shoots, causing flagging and dieback that can reduce nut production; parasitism by the ichneumonid wasp Dolichomitus messor provides partial biological control.

Related Terms

• Cerambycidae
• Oberea
• Phytophagy
• galleries
• Biological control
• Juglans regia

Usage Notes

Distinguished from congeners by its linear body form and European distribution; do not confuse with the unrelated 'linear' morphological descriptor used for body plans in many insect groups. The species has undergone multiple taxonomic recombinations since its original description under Cerambyx.