Wood-borer
Guides
Asemum
Asemum is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Spondylinae, described by Eschscholtz in 1830. Species are primarily associated with coniferous forests and share the pyrophilous (fire-loving) trait of seeking out burned or fire-killed trees. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with notable range expansion documented for A. tenuicorne into northern Europe. A. striatum, the type species, is among the most widespread and serves as host for specialized tylenchid nematode parasites.
Astylopsis
Astylopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. It was established by Thomas L. Casey in 1913. The genus contains at least five North American species, including A. sexguttata, which has been observed developing in dead pine stems. Members are associated with dead or dying coniferous and deciduous wood.
Astylopsis arcuata
Astylopsis arcuata is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. The species belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, a group commonly associated with coniferous and hardwood trees. Based on related species in the genus, larvae likely develop in dead or dying wood.
Astylopsis macula
Spotted Long-horned Beetle
Astylopsis macula is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Thomas Say in 1826. Commonly known as the Spotted Long-horned Beetle, it belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini within the family Cerambycidae. The species has been documented across eastern North America with over 500 observations recorded.
Astylopsis sexguttata
Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle
Astylopsis sexguttata is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, first described by Thomas Say in 1827. It is commonly known as the Six-speckled Long-horned Beetle. The species is associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines, where larvae bore into dead or dying wood. Adults are active during warmer months and can be found in forested habitats across eastern North America.
Bellamira scalaris
Ladder-marked Longhorn Beetle
Bellamira scalaris is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) and the sole species in its genus. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, a group commonly known as flower longhorns due to their frequent presence on blossoms. The species is native to North America, with records extending from Canada through the United States. Adults are typically found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisBothriospilini
Bothriospilini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Cerambycinae, comprising 11 genera with primarily Neotropical distribution. The tribe was established in 1950 by Frederico Lane and is morphologically allied to Torneutini, sharing distinctive abdominal and thoracic cavity characteristics. Several species have been subjects of chemical ecology research, with sex pheromones identified from Chlorida and Knulliana. The tribe includes notable species such as Knulliana cincta, the banded hickory borer, which extends into eastern North America.
Brachys howdeni
Brachys howdeni is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Hespenheide in 2016. It belongs to the genus Brachys, a group of small buprestids associated with oak foliage. The species is relatively recently described and appears to be distributed in southwestern North America. Like other Brachys species, it likely develops as a larva in oak branches and is attracted to fresh oak foliage as an adult.
Brachysomida nigripennis
Black-winged Long-horned Beetle
Brachysomida nigripennis is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. The species is characterized by its dark, nearly black elytra that distinguish it from congeners with more patterned or lighter coloration. It occurs across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. The genus Brachysomida contains several species that are often associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults are frequently found on flowers or foliage.
Buprestis aurulenta
golden jewel beetle, golden buprestid, Golden Buprestid Beetle
Buprestis aurulenta, commonly known as the golden jewel beetle or golden buprestid, is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to western North America. Adults display brilliant iridescent green coloration with orange margins on the elytra. The species is notable for its exceptionally prolonged larval development, with documented cases of larvae surviving 47 years or more in dry wood before emerging as adults. This longevity makes it one of the most long-lived beetle species known.
Buprestis laeviventris
metallic wood-boring beetle, jewel beetle
Buprestis laeviventris is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from western Canada through the western United States. Adults are attracted to recently dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly pines. The species exhibits elytral color variation and has been the subject of recent youth science research projects examining morphological diversity across different pine host species.
Buprestis langii
Buprestis langii is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It has a widespread distribution across the northwestern Nearctic region of North America. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and represents one of many jewel beetles in the genus Buprestis known for their metallic coloration. A 2010 record from Watson Lake, Yukon Territory extended its known Canadian distribution.
Buprestis lineata
Lined Buprestid Beetle, lined buprestris
Buprestis lineata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. Adults have been observed on the lower trunks of shortleaf pines (Pinus echinata) in Arkansas, where they congregate to mate. The species is one of several wood-boring beetles associated with pine trees in the southeastern United States.
Buprestis salisburyensis
Buprestis salisburyensis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, subgenus Stereosa. The species is characterized by brilliant metallic blue-green coloration with bright red margins on the elytra. It is associated with pine habitats in eastern North America and has been collected from Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) in Tennessee.
Callidiellum
Callidiellum is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Callidiini. The genus contains at least three described species, including the well-studied Callidiellum rufipenne, an invasive Asian cedar borer established in North America. Members of this genus are wood-borers specializing on living conifers in the family Cupressaceae.
Callidiellum rufipenne
Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle
Callidiellum rufipenne is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to East Asia, commonly known as the Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle. It is a wood-boring pest of conifers in the Cupressaceae and Pinaceae families. The species has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including eastern North America, Europe, and Oceania, where it has established populations. It is of economic concern due to damage to ornamental and timber conifers.
Calloides nobilis mormonus
Calloides nobilis mormonus is a western North American subspecies of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Clytini. The nominate subspecies C. n. nobilis occurs in eastern North America, while C. n. mormonus is restricted to western regions. This subspecies has been documented from burned coniferous forest habitats in Arizona and attracted to sweet red wine-baited traps. The species is associated with fire-damaged oak and conifer wood, suggesting a reliance on recently dead or stressed woody hosts.
Chrysobothris chlorocephala
metallic wood-boring beetle
Chrysobothris chlorocephala is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other parts of the United States. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae develop in woody plants.
Chrysobothris chrysoela chrysoela
A subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Members of the species Chrysobothris chrysoela occur in Florida and are associated with oak habitats. The subspecies is part of a genus containing numerous economically important wood-boring beetles, many of which are difficult to identify due to reliance on suites of subtle morphological characters rather than single diagnostic features.
Chrysobothris cupressicona
flatheaded cypress cone borer
Chrysobothris cupressicona is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Barr and Westcott in 1976. The species is commonly known as the flatheaded cypress cone borer, indicating an association with cypress. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is a member of the jewel beetle group characterized by metallic coloration and wood-boring larval habits.
Chrysobothris dentipes
Spurred Metallic Wood-borer
Chrysobothris dentipes is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Spurred Metallic Wood-borer. It is one of the most widespread species in its genus, occurring across much of North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern Mexico. Adults are frequently encountered on dead pine wood, particularly on exposed roots and trunks of recently dead pines. The species was among the earliest described in the genus Chrysobothris, with the specific epithet referring to the toothed spine on the front femora.
Chrysobothris knulli
Knull's Chrysobothris
Chrysobothris knulli is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Nelson in 1975 and is known from Central America and North America. The species is named in honor of Josef Knull, a prominent American entomologist who specialized in Buprestidae. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with woody plants, though specific host records remain limited.
Chrysobothris lateralis
Chrysobothris lateralis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Waterhouse in 1887. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As with other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is presumed to have wood-boring larvae that develop within host plants, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Chrysobothris octocola
Chrysobothris octocola is a metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is strongly associated with mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), where adults are found on dead or stressed branches and larvae develop in the wood. It represents a notable range extension into Oklahoma, where it was first documented in 2012. The species exhibits fall adult activity and has been collected in association with juniper in some areas, though mesquite remains the primary documented host.
Chrysobothris piuta
Chrysobothris piuta is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species has been documented as breeding within dead branches of Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany), with which it has a confirmed host association. It is one of approximately two dozen jewel beetle species associated with Cercocarpus in North America.
Chrysobothris purpureovittata
Chrysobothris purpureovittata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is notable among its congeners for being exceptionally polyphagous, with documented larval hosts spanning over two dozen species of deciduous trees across 21 genera and 11 plant families. The species occurs primarily in the central and south-central United States, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and C. p. cercocarpi, which is restricted to mountain mahogany in New Mexico.
Chrysobothris purpureovittata purpureovittata
Chrysobothris purpureovittata purpureovittata is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed primarily in the central and south-central United States. This taxon is notable for its exceptional polyphagy, having been reared from more than two dozen species of deciduous trees across eleven plant families. Adults are typically encountered by beating foliage, particularly of hackberry (Celtis spp.) and other members of Ulmaceae, though larval hosts span multiple families including Rosaceae, Fagaceae, and Rhamnaceae.
Chrysobothris quadriimpressa
Four-impressed Chrysobothris
Chrysobothris quadriimpressa is a jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, belonging to the Chrysobothris femorata species group. This species was originally described in 1837, subsequently synonymized, and resurrected in the 2007 revision by Wellso and Manley. It occurs across eastern North America west to the Continental Divide and is primarily associated with oak (Quercus) hosts. The species is distinguished from closely related members of the C. femorata group by subtle morphological characters of the pygidium and elytra.
Chrysobothris shawnee
Chrysobothris shawnee is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described in 2007 as part of a revision of the Chrysobothris femorata species group. It occurs in the eastern United States west to Colorado. The species is primarily associated with oak (Quercus) hosts, though it has also been reared from willow (Salix) and Prunus. Adults are active on large branches and trunks of dead oak trees.
Chrysobothris sloicola
Chrysobothris sloicola is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is a member of the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, a taxonomically challenging complex of species that was revised in 2007. The species is known only from Michigan and is associated with Prunus (cherry/plum) as its host plant. It was described by Manley & Wellso in 1976.
Clytus marginicollis
Clytus marginicollis is a small longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Castelnau and Gory in 1841. Adults are wasp mimics with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The species occurs in eastern North America, where larvae develop in dead pine branches and adults are often found under pine bark.
Clytus ruricola
Round-necked Longhorn Beetle
Clytus ruricola is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Olivier in 1795. It belongs to the tribe Clytini, a group known for wasp-mimicking coloration. The species occurs across North America and is one of several Clytus species with distinctive yellow and black patterned elytra. It is a hardwood-associated beetle whose larvae develop in dead or decaying wood.
Compsobracon
Compsobracon is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps. One species, C. mirabilis, has been observed parasitizing wood-boring Lepidoptera larvae by inserting its ovipositor directly through woody branches to reach hosts concealed inside. The genus belongs to the diverse family Braconidae, which contains thousands of parasitoid species attacking various insect hosts.
Conquistator mucronatus
Conquistator mucronatus is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Clytini, historically classified under the genus Neoclytus. The species is characterized by its association with dead and dying hardwood trees, particularly hackberry (Celtis spp.), and is frequently attracted to fermenting baits. It has been documented across the central and eastern United States, with records from Missouri, Oklahoma, and other states. The species exhibits morphological variation, with some populations formerly recognized as a distinct form "vogti."
Coptoborus
Coptoborus is a genus of ambrosia beetles in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae, tribe Xyleborini. These tiny beetles bore into trees and cultivate fungus as food, a behavior characteristic of ambrosia beetles. The genus contains more than 70 described species, with many new species discovered in Central and South America in recent years. Some species are economically significant pests, particularly of balsa trees in Ecuador.
Cossula magnifica
pecan carpenterworm moth
Cossula magnifica, commonly known as the pecan carpenterworm moth, is a species of carpenter moth in the family Cossidae. The species is found in the southeastern United States, where its larvae develop as borers in hardwood trees. Adults are active in spring and early summer. The species is of some economic concern due to larval damage to pecan and other Carya species.
Cryptorhynchus
hidden snout weevils
Cryptorhynchus is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 480 described species. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'hidden' and 'snout,' referring to the concealed rostrum characteristic of these beetles. The genus includes economically significant species such as Cryptorhynchus lapathi, the poplar-and-willow borer, which is a major pest of Salix and Populus species in North America and elsewhere.
Cryptorhynchus lapathi
Poplar-and-Willow Borer, Poplar and Willow Borer, Willow Borer, Osier Weevil, Willow Weevil
Cryptorhynchus lapathi is a Eurasian-origin weevil (Curculionidae) introduced to North America, now established as a significant pest of willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus) species. Larvae bore into stems, creating infection courts for pathogens and causing structural weakening that leads to stem breakage. The species has expanded its range considerably in British Columbia since its first detection in 1923, with prevalence linked to thermal regimes—areas with more months above 10°C show higher attack rates. Climate modeling predicts continued northward range expansion and increased suitable habitat area through 2100.
Cyrtophorus verrucosus
Ant-like Longhorn Beetle, Ant-mimic Longhorn Beetle
Cyrtophorus verrucosus is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) remarkable for its specialized ant mimicry, including ant-like movement patterns. The species exhibits color polymorphism with red and black morphs, each thought to mimic different Camponotus ant species. Adults feed on pollen and nectar from spring flowers, while larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwood trees. Native to eastern North America and southern Canada, this beetle is most active in early spring and serves as a useful indicator species for forest habitat quality.
Dere thoracica
Dere thoracica is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) first reported in the United States in 2021. The species was previously known from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) before its detection in the eastern United States, where it has since undergone range expansion. As a cerambycid beetle, it belongs to a family whose larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Desmiphora hirticollis
A longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, characterized by dense tufts of erect hairs that provide remarkable crypsis against tree bark. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide on the undersides of freshly cut logs during daylight hours. The species occurs from southern Texas through South America, with documented associations with trees in the family Boraginaceae as larval hosts.
Desmocerus californicus
California Elderberry Borer, Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
Desmocerus californicus is a longhorned beetle endemic to the United States, with two recognized subspecies. The nominate subspecies D. c. californicus occurs in California, while D. c. dimorphus (the valley elderberry longhorn beetle) is restricted to the Central Valley of California and is federally listed as threatened. Adults are active for only a few weeks per year and feed on Sambucus pollen.
Dicerca divaricata
Flat-headed Hardwood Borer
Dicerca divaricata is a medium-sized jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) native to eastern North America. Adults are black in color and measure 15–22 mm in length. The species is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae develop in the wood of various hardwood trees, particularly maples (Acer), American elm (Ulmus americana), and redbud (Cercis). Adults are active in late spring, with flight activity recorded in May and June. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Podoschistus vittifrons.
Dicerca juncea
Dicerca juncea is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is endemic to the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. The species is elongate and measures approximately 14.2 mm in length. Like other members of the genus Dicerca, it exhibits cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against tree bark.
Dicerca lurida
Hickory Jewel Beetle
Dicerca lurida is a jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Hickory Jewel Beetle. Adults measure 12–20 mm and display cryptic coloration that renders them nearly invisible against tree bark despite their metallic luster when viewed as pinned specimens. The species is strongly associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) and is one of the most common jewel beetles in eastern North America. Unlike most jewel beetles with restricted seasonal activity, D. lurida occurs year-round as adults, including winter hibernation under loose bark.
Dicerca obscura
A large jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) with brownish-black coloration and cryptic appearance. Adults are strongly associated with dead or dying persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana), though also recorded from staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina). The species name reflects its remarkable ability to blend into bark, making it difficult to detect despite its size.
Dicerca tenebrica
Flat-headed Poplar Borer, Flatheaded Wood Borer
Dicerca tenebrica is a large jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) found in Canada and the northeastern and southern United States. Adults are brassy to black in coloration and active from March through November. The species is primarily associated with poplar species (Populus), particularly balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), and has also been recorded from conifers in Alberta including lodgepole pine, jack pine, and white spruce. Larvae are wood-borers in living or recently dead trees.
Dicerca tenebrosa tenebrosa
A subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Adults have been observed on dead and dying conifers, particularly Pinus ponderosa and Abies concolor. Females search trunks for oviposition sites, probing cracks and crevices with their ovipositor. The subspecies is distributed in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada and the western United States.
Dinapate wrightii
Giant Palm Borer
Dinapate wrightii, the Giant Palm Borer, is the largest species in the beetle family Bostrichidae, reaching approximately 5 cm in length. Adults are non-feeding and live about two weeks. The species is native to extreme southern California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, with most records from the Coachella Valley. It is a pest of fan palms, particularly Washingtonia species.