Wood-borer
Guides
Dinoderus minutus
bamboo borer, bamboo powderpost beetle
Dinoderus minutus is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the bamboo borer or bamboo powderpost beetle. Native to Asia, it has become a globally distributed pest of bamboo products through international trade. The species is attracted to the internal starch content of bamboo and is considered one of the most damaging pests of the bamboo industry, capable of causing significant economic losses in storage and finished products. It has established populations across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Dioryctria merkeli
loblolly pine coneworm moth
Dioryctria merkeli is a snout moth species in the family Pyralidae, described in 1979 from the eastern United States. The larvae are known to feed on Pinus species, boring into the cambium of trunks, branches, and twigs. This species is part of a genus whose members are commonly known as coneworm moths due to their larval habit of feeding in conifer cones and woody tissues.
Dolichomitus pterelas
A parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, characterized by an exceptionally long ovipositor used to reach host larvae concealed deep within wood. The species exhibits aposematic coloration with metallic blue-black body and golden-yellow wings. It is a solitary parasitoid of wood-boring insect larvae.
Dorcaschema alternatum
Small Mulberry Borer
Dorcaschema alternatum is a cerambycid beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Small Mulberry Borer. It was first described by Thomas Say in 1824, originally placed in the genus Saperda. The species is strongly associated with mulberry trees, specifically Celtis-leaf mulberry (Morus celtidifolia), which serves as its larval host. It is widely recorded across the United States and southern Canada.
Dromaeolus cylindricollis
Dromaeolus cylindricollis is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1839. It is one of the few species in the genus Dromaeolus, which comprises small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of their close relatives in Elateridae. The genus name refers to this reduced clicking ability (from Greek 'dromaios' meaning running or racing, perhaps alluding to their active movement rather than defensive clicking).
Dryobius
Dryobius is a monospecific genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing only Dryobius sexnotatus. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning "tree-dwelling." The sole species is distributed across the eastern United States, with highest concentration in the Ohio River Valley. Larvae develop in hardwood trees including maple, beech, basswood, and elm.
Dryoxylon onoharaense
Dryoxylon onoharaense is a small ambrosia beetle (Scolytinae) in the weevil family Curculionidae. Originally described from Japan, it has been introduced to North America and has established populations in the conterminous United States. Like other members of the tribe Xyleborini, it is presumed to cultivate ambrosia fungi in wood galleries for larval nutrition.
Eburia haldemani
Ivory-marked Longhorn
Eburia haldemani is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, distributed across Central and North America. It is frequently confused with the eastern Eburia quadrigeminata (ivory-marked beetle), but differs in lacking prominent spines at the elytral apex and having less elongated basal markings. Adults are attracted to ethanol and wine-baited traps, and larvae develop in dead or dying wood of Celtis reticulata (net-leaved hackberry) and related hosts. The species has been collected in Oklahoma, Texas, and adjacent regions, with adults active from late spring through late summer.
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.
Elaphidion mucronatum
Spined Oak Borer
Elaphidion mucronatum is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the spined oak borer. Despite its common name, it is one of the most polyphagous wood-boring beetles in North America, developing in dead wood of numerous tree species across multiple plant families. The species is frequently encountered in the eastern and central United States, where adults are attracted to fermenting baits and can be observed in mate-guarding situations on tree trunks.
Elytrimitatrix undata
Wavy Longhorn Beetle
Elytrimitatrix undata is the only member of the subfamily Disteniinae (or family Disteniidae) occurring in the United States. This longhorned beetle was formerly classified in the genus Distenia but was split out by Santos-Silva & Hovore in 2007 based on morphological differences. The species occurs broadly across eastern and central North America and is regularly attracted to lights during warm summer nights. Adults are moderate-sized beetles with distinctive wavy elytral patterns.
Enaphalodes
Enaphalodes is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini, established by Haldeman in 1847. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across North America, with several species being significant wood-boring pests of oak trees. The most extensively studied species, E. rufulus (red oak borer), has been implicated in major oak mortality events in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains during outbreak conditions. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with hardwood hosts, particularly oaks (Quercus spp.), and their larvae create extensive galleries in the phloem and wood of host trees.
Enaphalodes atomarius
Robust Oak Borer
Enaphalodes atomarius, commonly known as the robust oak borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773 from New York City, this beetle is known to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mesic lowland deciduous forests. It has been documented in bait traps using ethanol and red wine mixtures in xeric dolomite prairie remnants and dry upland deciduous forests.
Enaphalodes seminitidus
Enaphalodes seminitidus is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. The species belongs to a genus of wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in hardwood trees. Like other Enaphalodes species, it is likely associated with oak or related hardwood hosts, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in the available literature.
Endecatomus rugosus
Endecatomus rugosus is a small beetle species in the family Bostrichidae (formerly placed in Endecatomidae). The species was first described by Randall in 1838 under the basionym Triphyllus rugosus. It is known from North America with records from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. The genus Endecatomus comprises wood-boring beetles, and the specific epithet rugosus refers to the wrinkled or rough surface texture characteristic of this group.
Ernobius mollis
pine knot borer, pine bark anobiid, waney edge borer, bark borer
Ernobius mollis is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), commonly known as the pine knot borer. Native to northern Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is also recorded from the Azores. The species develops in dead pine wood, particularly in bark and knots, and is frequently associated with processed timber. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate E. m. mollis and E. m. espanoli from the Iberian region.
Ernoporini
Ernoporini is a tribe of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Members of this tribe are small, wood-boring beetles associated with dead or dying wood. The tribe contains several genera, though it remains relatively poorly studied compared to other curculionid groups.
Euderces
Euderces is a genus of small longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by remarkable ant-mimicry. Most species measure less than 5 mm in length and exhibit Batesian mimicry of ants, particularly species of Camponotus. The genus has its center of diversity in southern Mexico and Guatemala, with species distributed from North America through South America. Notable examples include E. velutinus, which closely resembles the tropical ant Camponotus sericeiventris. Four species occur in the United States.
Euderces bicinctus
Euderces bicinctus is a species of ant-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Linsley in 1935. Like other members of the genus Euderces, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of small ants, an adaptation common among the Tillomorphini tribe. The species is distributed in North and Middle America. Specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euderces pini
Euderces pini is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, notable for its striking ant-mimicking appearance. Adults measure 7–8 millimeters in length with slender bodies. The species occurs in the southern half of the eastern United States, with adults active from March to June. Larvae develop in various hardwood trees including Flowering Dogwood, Pecan, Winged Elm, and American Beech. Adults frequently visit flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, including dandelions before native trees bloom. The species is not considered an agricultural or forestry pest.
Eudociminus mannerheimii
Cypress Weevil
Eudociminus mannerheimii, the cypress weevil, is a native North American beetle in the family Curculionidae. It breeds primarily in scarred, weakened, or fallen cypress trees and occasionally damages nursery stock and stump sprouts. Despite its potential to cause localized tree mortality, published biological information remains extremely limited.
Euplatypus parallelus
Common Ambrosia Beetle
Euplatypus parallelus is a polyphagous ambrosia beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae. Native to Central and South America, it has spread invasively to Africa, tropical Asia, and other regions, likely via timber trade. Adults bore galleries into tree trunks and cultivate symbiotic fungi for food, causing wood staining and economic damage in forest plantations. The species is attracted to ethanol and plant volatiles, with flight activity strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation.
Euplatypus pini
Euplatypus pini is a small ambrosia beetle (Curculionidae: Platypodinae) originally described as Platypus pini by Hopkins in 1905 and later transferred to Euplatypus by Bright & Skidmore in 2002. Like other ambrosia beetles, it excavates galleries in wood and cultivates symbiotic fungi as a food source for its larvae. The species name indicates an association with pine (Pinus) hosts.
Eupristocerus cogitans
Alder Gall Buprestid
Eupristocerus cogitans is a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) and the only North American representative of the coraebine buprestids. It is commonly known as the Alder Gall Buprestid due to its larval association with alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species has been recorded from eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Evodinus
Evodinus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae, and tribe Rhagiini. The genus contains four recognized species distributed primarily in boreal and montane regions of North America and northern Europe. Members are associated with coniferous forests and are characterized by their distinctive elytral sculpturing.
Gambrinus olentangyi
Olentangy River Beetle
Gambrinus olentangyi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described from the Olentangy River region in Ohio and is associated with riparian habitats. The species is rarely encountered in collections and remains poorly known biologically.
Gastrallus fasciatus
death-watch beetle
Gastrallus fasciatus is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Ptinidae. It is known from North America. The species was described by White in 1976. As a member of the death-watch beetles, it belongs to a group known for their association with wood-boring habits, though specific details about its biology remain limited.
Gaurotes cyanipennis
Gaurotes cyanipennis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Rhagiini. The species is found in eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits metallic coloration typical of many rhagiine beetles.
Givira ethela
Givira ethela is a carpenter moth (Cossidae: Hypoptinae) native to southwestern North America. It has been recorded from Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since at least the early 2000s, it has been recognized as a pest of mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in California's San Joaquin Valley, where larvae bore into the cambium layer of trunks and cordons. The species was originally described as Hypopta ethela in 1893.
Givira lotta
Pine Carpenterworm Moth
Givira lotta, commonly known as the pine carpenterworm moth, is a species of carpenter moth in the family Cossidae. First described in 1910, it is native to the southwestern United States where it inhabits pine forests. The species is notable for its specific association with ponderosa pine as a larval host.
Glycobius
sugar maple borer
Glycobius is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing the single species Glycobius speciosus, commonly known as the sugar maple borer. The species is native to eastern North America and is a specialist wood-borer whose larvae feed on sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Glycobius speciosus
Sugar Maple Borer
Glycobius speciosus, commonly known as the sugar maple borer, is a small longhorned beetle in the tribe Clytini. It is the sole species in its genus. The species is a specialist wood-borer whose larvae develop in living sugar maple trees, causing significant damage to the host. Adults are active in spring and early summer and are attracted to ethanol-based baits. The species is distributed across northeastern North America, from Canada through the northeastern United States.
Gnaphalodes trachyderoides
A longhorn beetle and the sole species in its genus, characterized by a robust, somewhat flattened body and antennae that are notably shorter than those of many cerambycids. The species name 'trachyderoides' references its resemblance to the genus Trachyderes. It occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America.
Goes pulcher
Living-hickory Borer
Goes pulcher is a wood-boring beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the Living-hickory Borer. First described by Haldeman in 1847, it develops in living hickory (Carya) and pecan (Carya illinoinensis) trees. Larvae tunnel beneath the bark, damaging cambium and sapwood. The species has a 2-3 year life cycle and is distributed across Canada and the United States.
Goes tigrinus
White Oak Borer
Goes tigrinus is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the White Oak Borer. It was described by De Geer in 1775 and is native to North America. The species is known to infest oak trees, with larvae boring into wood and potentially causing structural damage to host trees.
Graphisurus fasciatus
Banded Graphisurus
Graphisurus fasciatus is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae) found throughout eastern North America. It is one of three species in the genus Graphisurus occurring in Missouri and is notably the most commonly encountered of the three. The species was described by Degeer in 1775. It is primarily associated with oak (Quercus spp.) as a larval host.
Gyascutus planicosta cribriceps
Gyascutus planicosta cribriceps is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is one of the larger buprestid beetles in North America and is known to occur on willow (Salix) as well as other host plants. The subspecies is part of a complex that was formerly treated as a subgenus of Hippomelas but is now recognized as the distinct genus Gyascutus. Adults are active during summer months and can be collected by beating host vegetation or observed in flight.
Heterobostrychus
horned powder post beetles
A genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, comprising six described species. Members are known for infesting timber, processed wood products, and certain crop plants. The genus has significant economic importance due to damage caused to lumber, furniture, and agricultural commodities. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges through international trade in wood products.
Heterobostrychus aequalis
oriental wood borer, lesser auger beetle, oriental bostrichid
Heterobostrychus aequalis is a horned powder-post beetle (family Bostrichidae) and serious pest of seasoned hardwood timber. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, it has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, Australia, Africa, and Oceania. The species attacks starch-rich sapwood of timber and wood products, often remaining undetected until emergence holes and frass appear. In Florida, it has been intercepted at ports and is now established in the wild. In Australia, its establishment status remains ambiguous despite multiple detections, with evidence suggesting at most a tenuous local population in northern Queensland rather than widespread establishment.
Hylecoetus
ship-timber beetles
Hylecoetus is a genus of ship-timber beetles in the family Lymexylidae, historically noted for the European species Hylecoetus flabellicornis that infested wooden ship timbers. Adults are attracted to light and are primarily nocturnal. The genus belongs to a family whose evolutionary placement has shifted historically, now generally placed within Cucujiformia near Cleroidea and Cucujoidea, though some analyses suggest a position within Tenebrionoidea.
Hylecoetus lugubris
Sapwood Timberworm Beetle
Hylecoetus lugubris is a ship-timber beetle (family Lymexylidae) native to North America. The species is currently classified as a synonym of Elateroides lugubris in some taxonomic databases, though iNaturalist maintains it under the genus Hylecoetus. Like other lymexylids, it is associated with dead or decaying wood, where larvae bore into hardwoods. The family is characterized by reduced elytra in some genera, though Hylecoetus species retain more typical beetle morphology compared to the highly modified Atractocerus. The common name 'Sapwood Timberworm Beetle' refers to its larval habit of tunneling in the sapwood of trees.
Hyperplatys aspersa
Hyperplatys aspersa is a small greyish longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is one of two Hyperplatys species occurring in Eastern Canada, alongside H. maculata. The species has a history of taxonomic confusion, having been frequently misidentified by early authors.
Hyperplatys maculata
Hyperplatys maculata is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is a wood-boring cerambycid with documented associations to dead branches of red buckeye (Aesculus pavia). The species has been reared from cut wood in Missouri, representing a documented larval host record.
Inguromorpha texasensis
Inguromorpha texasensis is a moth species in the family Cossidae, known as carpenter or goat moths. The species is endemic to Texas and adjacent regions in the southern United States. It belongs to a genus of medium-sized moths whose larvae bore into wood. Observations suggest adult activity during warmer months, though detailed natural history remains poorly documented.
Isarthrus
Isarthrus is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae (false click beetles), established by LeConte in 1852. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their association with decaying wood. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only eight observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the data cutoff. Isarthrus belongs to a family whose larvae are primarily wood-borers in dead or dying hardwoods.
Knowltonia atrifasciata
Knowltonia atrifasciata is a rarely encountered species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The genus Knowltonia is small and poorly known, with K. atrifasciata being one of the most uncommon members. Field observations indicate an association with Atriplex (saltbush) species, particularly Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush). Adults display the characteristic metallic coloration of buprestids and are active in late spring. The species has been documented from the Rio Bosque Wetland Park in El Paso, Texas, and likely occurs more broadly in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Knulliana
banded hickory borer
Knulliana is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing the single species Knulliana cincta, commonly known as the banded hickory borer. The genus was established by Linsley in 1962 and is classified within the tribe Bothriospilini. The sole species ranges across the eastern half of North America from Canada to the Bahamas and Mexico, with one subspecies extending into the Sonoran Desert. Adults are associated with hickory and oak trees, where larvae develop as wood-borers.
Lepturobosca chrysocoma
Yellow velvet beetle, Golden flower longhorn beetle, Golden-haired flower longhorn
Lepturobosca chrysocoma is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by its dense coat of golden hairs that gives rise to its common names. The species was originally described as Cosmosalia chrysocoma by William Kirby in 1837, but was reassigned to Lepturobosca in 1998 based on morphological comparisons by Russian entomologist Alexander Ivanovich Miroshnikov. Adults are frequently observed feeding on flowers during summer months, where they function as pollinators by transferring pollen on their hairy bodies. Larvae develop in decaying wood of trees including black spruce (Picea mariana) and poplars (Populus).
Limnoriidea
Gribbles and allies
Limnoriidea is a suborder of marine isopod crustaceans containing three families: Hadromastacidae, Keuphyliidae, and Limnoriidae. Members are commonly known as gribbles and allies. The group is distinguished by wood-boring habits in many species, particularly within Limnoriidae. They are exclusively marine and play a significant role in coastal ecosystems through wood decomposition.
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.