Saperda calcarata

Say, 1824

Poplar Borer

Saperda calcarata, commonly known as the poplar borer, is a () first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The is to North America, occurring in Canada and the United States. are significant pests of balsam poplar and related Populus species, tunneling at the junction of the root and stem where they cause structural damage that can and kill trees. The species exhibits a two-year in western Canada and possesses a recognized variety, Saperda calcarata var. adspersa, distinguished by coloration differences between sexes.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saperda calcarata: //sæˈpɜːrdə kælˈkærətə//

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Identification

are with the elongated characteristic of . The is recognized by its association with poplar and the specific damage pattern of larval galleries at the root collar. The variety adspersa exhibits in coloration: females have mainly bluish while males have mostly brownish elytra.

Habitat

Stands of balsam poplar and other Populus ; specifically inhabit the junction of root and stem (root collar) of trees, while are found on host foliage and bark.

Distribution

Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States.

Seasonality

emerge and are active from July to August; are laid during this period.

Diet

feed on inner bark and heartwood of balsam poplar and related Populus ; feed on leaf and bark of young branches.

Host Associations

Populus balsamifera - larval primary ; tunnel at root collar causing significant damage
Populus tremuloides - larval trembling aspen; reported in stem

Life Cycle

Two-year : laid in bark crevices near the root collar during July-August; feed initially in inner bark, then bore into heartwood through the first year; overwinter as larvae; occurs in spring of the second year; emerge July-August of the second year.

Behavior

create extensive galleries in the heartwood at the root collar that can trees, causing structural weakness and mortality. feed on leaf causing minor damage. Females locate trees and in bark crevices near the root collar.

Ecological Role

Primary pest of balsam poplar; larval tunneling causes tree mortality and structural weakness. The serves as a for microfungi, potentially facilitating fungal of trees. Documented associations include eight species of , two species of , and five associated species.

Human Relevance

Significant forestry pest causing to balsam poplar stands. Chemical control using such as dimethoate applied as soil to the root collar area in late spring to early summer can reduce larval survival.

Similar Taxa

Saperda lateralisRed-edged saperda; also attacks stressed hardwoods including maples, but differs in range and geographic distribution
Saperda candidaRoundheaded apple tree borer; similar but specialized on trees in the rose (Rosaceae)
Saperda populneaRelated saperdine with similar ; distinguished by associations and geographic distribution