Hardwood Stump Borer

Mallodon dasystomus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Cerambycidae
Subfamily: Prioninae
Tribe: Mallodonini
Genus: Mallodon
Species: dasystomus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mallodon dasystomus: //ˈmælədɒn ˌdæsɪˈstoʊməs//

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Summary

Mallodon dasystomus, commonly known as the hardwood stump borer, is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is known for its wood-boring larvae which can damage trees in deciduous forests.

Physical Characteristics

Adults range in length from 35mm to 50mm (1.37 to 1.96 in). Antennal tubercles at the base of the antennae acute; mandibles nearly horizontal, prolonged in males, more or less carinate above, most bidentate and pubescent internally.

Identification Tips

Look for the acute antennal tubercles and the specific shape of the mandibles, especially in males.

Habitat

Deciduous forests.

Distribution

Southeastern United States to Arizona, including Florida, Virginia, and Oklahoma, extending to Colombia.

Diet

Larvae bore in live heartwood of trees, including oak, elm, willow, pecan, maple, sycamore, etc.

Life Cycle

Larvae take 3-4 years to mature, feeding gregariously in the heartwood.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid around wounds, particularly near the base of the tree.

Ecosystem Role

As wood-borers, the larvae contribute to the decomposition of dead and dying wood but can also be economically damaging to living trees.

Economic Impact

Can be economically damaging to timber and trees.