Cryptomeria
Guides
Semanotus
Semanotus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) described by Étienne Mulsant in 1839. Species within this genus are primarily wood-boring pests of coniferous trees, with documented associations including juniper, fir, cedar, cryptomeria, and cypress. Several species cause significant economic damage to timber and ornamental plantings. The genus has a broad distribution spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, with at least 19 recognized species.
Semanotus japonicus
sugi bark borer, Cryptomeria bark borer
Semanotus japonicus is a cerambycid beetle native to Japan that attacks living Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). Larvae feed primarily within the inner bark of trunks, where they are vulnerable to drowning by resin flow. The species exhibits a transitional ecological state between primary and secondary bark borer, requiring adequate host nutrition but lacking defenses against host resin defenses. Adults are relatively sedentary, with limited between-tree movement and nocturnal mating activity concentrated from sunset to sunrise.