Hardwood
Guides
Brachys aerosus
Northern Red Oak Jewel Beetle
Brachys aerosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. Adults measure 3–5 mm in length and exhibit highly variable coloration, with the basal region of the elytra typically showing purple, blue, or green luster and the apical area covered in gold to bronze pubescence. The species is commonly associated with hardwood trees, particularly oaks and elms, though its broad host range and morphological variability suggest it may represent a cryptic species complex. Larvae are leaf miners rather than wood borers, a distinctive trait of the tribe Trachyini.
Dryocoetes
Dryocoetes is a genus of bark beetles (subfamily Scolytinae) in the weevil family Curculionidae. Species are distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus includes both conifer- and hardwood-associated species, with documented hosts including fir, spruce, pine, alder, birch, beech, poplar, liquidambar, and walnut. Several species are economically significant forest pests or invasive species.
Eburia quadrigeminata
Ivory-marked Beetle, Ivory-marked Borer
Eburia quadrigeminata is a North American longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults range from 12–25 mm in length and are attracted to ethanol-based baits, often captured in bait traps in substantial numbers. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from the eastern United States westward to Oklahoma. Larvae develop in sound, non-decaying hardwood, including timber.
Lochmaeus
Lochmaeus is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, first described by Edward Doubleday in 1841. The genus contains at least two species, including L. manteo and L. bilineata. Larvae are late-season defoliators of hardwood trees, with outbreaks occasionally producing conspicuous damage and abundant frass. Despite visible defoliation, impacts to tree health are generally minor.
Lyctus
powderpost beetles, lyctid beetles
Lyctus is a genus of powderpost beetles in the family Bostrichidae. These beetles are wood-boring pests with a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica. The genus includes economically significant species that infest hardwood products.
Prionoxystus macmurtrei
Little Carpenterworm Moth
Prionoxystus macmurtrei, commonly known as the little carpenterworm moth, is a species of carpenter moth in the family Cossidae. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer across eastern and central North America. The larvae are wood-borers that tunnel through hardwood trees, causing damage that reduces lumber value.
Scolecocampa liburna
Dead-wood Borer, Deadwood Borer Moth
Scolecocampa liburna is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the dead-wood borer. The species was described by Carl Geyer in 1837. Adults have a wingspan of 35–43 mm. The larvae develop inside fallen dead wood of various hardwood trees.
Trogoxylon parallelipipedum
Velvety Powderpost Beetle, Velvety Powder-post Beetle
Trogoxylon parallelipipedum is a powderpost beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It is distributed across Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is known by the common name velvety powderpost beetle, reflecting its characteristic appearance. Like other members of the subfamily Lyctinae, it is associated with wood-boring habits.
Urgleptes querci
Oak Long-horned Beetle
Urgleptes querci is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Asa Fitch in 1858. It is a small to medium-sized cerambycid native to eastern North America, where it develops in dead wood of various hardwood trees. The species is highly polyphagous and has been recorded from multiple host plants including oak, pawpaw, and other deciduous trees. Adults are active during the growing season and are likely nocturnal or crepuscular, as is typical for many Lamiinae.
Xestobiini
Xestobiini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and deathwatch beetles), subfamily Ernobiinae. Members of this tribe are wood-boring beetles that develop in dead or decaying wood. The tribe was established by Böving in 1927 and includes genera such as Xestobium. These beetles are characterized by their cylindrical body form and association with hardwood substrates.