Saperda obliqua
Say, 1826
Alder Borer
Saperda obliqua is a longhorn in the , described by Thomas Say in 1826. It is commonly known as the Alder Borer due to its association with alder trees (Alnus spp.). The occurs in Canada and the United States, with its southwestern distributional limit in Missouri.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Saperda obliqua: /səˈpɛrdə ɔˈblikwə/
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Habitat
Associated with moist, acidic environments where plants of the birch (Betulaceae) occur. In Missouri, has been documented along stream edges where Alnus serrulata (common alder) grows in shrubby thickets near water.
Distribution
Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. Southwesternmost limit in Missouri, specifically along Pickle Creek in Hawn State Park.
Diet
develop in dead branches of Alnus serrulata (common alder).
Host Associations
- Alnus serrulata - larval common alder, smooth alder, tag alder; develop in dead branches
Ecological Role
Woodboring that contributes to decomposition of dead alder branches.
Similar Taxa
- Saperda speciesOther members of Saperda may overlap in range and general appearance; specificity to Alnus helps distinguish S. obliqua
More Details
Rarity in Missouri
The reaches its southwesternmost distributional limit in Missouri. Only a single specimen has been documented from the state, collected approximately 25 years prior to 2009 along Pickle Creek in Hawn State Park. Subsequent searches at this location have not yielded additional specimens.