Wood-borer
Guides
Plectrodera scalator
Cottonwood Borer
Plectrodera scalator, commonly known as the Cottonwood Borer, is a large and striking longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is the sole species in the genus Plectrodera. Adults are immediately recognizable by their robust body and distinctive checkered pattern of dense white pubescence on a glossy black background. The species is strongly associated with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and other Populus species, where adults are most frequently encountered. Despite being described as common in the Great Plains, direct observations remain relatively infrequent, possibly due to cryptic behavior against foliage backgrounds.
Plinthocoelium suaveolens suaveolens
bumelia borer, cerambycid beetle
Plinthocoelium suaveolens suaveolens is a striking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, renowned as one of North America's most beautiful cerambycids. Adults display brilliant iridescent green elytra, coppery head and pronotum, and exceptionally long black antennae and legs with contrasting orange femora. The nominate subspecies occurs across the southeastern and south-central United States, where larvae develop in roots of living gum bumelia trees (Sideroxylon lanuginosum). Adults are active primarily during July and August, often seen flying to host flowers or perching on tree trunks. The species is notably wary and difficult to approach for photography.
Podoschistus
Podoschistus is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the subfamily Poemeniinae. The genus contains at least one North American species, P. vittifrons, which is an ectoparasitoid of wood-boring beetle larvae. These wasps use their elongated ovipositors to penetrate wood and deposit eggs on beetle grubs concealed within tree boles. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, having been previously placed in the genera Xorides and Neoxorides.
Podosesia
Ash and Lilac Borer Moths
Podosesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, established by Möschler in 1879 after the original name Grotea was found to be preoccupied. The genus contains at least three described species in North America, including the economically significant lilac borer (P. syringae) and the banded ash clearwing (P. aureocincta). Larvae are wood-borers in woody plants of the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash, lilac, and privet. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry in both appearance and behavior.
Podosesia aureocincta
Banded Ash Borer Moth, Banded Ash Clearwing
Podosesia aureocincta is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that infests ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Unlike the invasive emerald ash borer, this native pest causes gradual damage over years or decades rather than rapid tree mortality. Adults emerge in late summer, exhibiting Batesian mimicry of paper wasps with their yellow-banded abdomens and clear wings. Larvae tunnel beneath bark, producing sawdust-like frass and round exit holes distinct from the D-shaped holes of emerald ash borer. The species is distributed across the Nearctic region.
Podosesia syringae
Lilac Borer, Ash Borer, Lilac Borer Moth
Podosesia syringae, commonly known as the lilac borer or ash borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae found throughout Canada and the United States. The adult moth mimics the appearance of a paper wasp, with transparent wings lacking scales and a wasp-like body form. Larvae tunnel beneath the bark of ash and lilac trees, feeding on the nutritious tissue and potentially causing significant damage over time. The species is a pest of concern for arborists and forest managers, with emergence timing predictable through phenological models based on heat accumulation.
Pogonocherus mixtus
Mixed-spotted Flatface Sawyer
Pogonocherus mixtus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It occurs across northern and western North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with coniferous hosts, particularly pines. The species is part of the subfamily Lamiinae, commonly known as flat-faced longhorns.
Polycesta californica
Polycesta californica is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by LeConte in 1857. It belongs to the subgenus Tularensia within the genus Polycesta. The species is native to western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. As a member of the jewel beetle family, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of Buprestidae.
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.
Prionoxystus robiniae
Carpenterworm Moth, Locust Borer
Prionoxystus robiniae is a moth in the family Cossidae, found across much of North America from southern Canada through most of the United States. Adults are active from May to July, with wingspans ranging from 43–85 mm. The larvae are wood-borers that tunnel into hardwood trees, causing economic damage to timber. Females release sex pheromones to attract males, which fly upwind to locate them; mating occurs at dusk and early night, with copulation lasting 1–2 hours.
Pristaulacus niger
Pristaulacus niger is a species of aulacid wasp found in North America. Aulacid wasps are parasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae). They are often overlooked due to their superficial resemblance to ichneumon wasps. The genus Pristaulacus includes some of the larger species in the family Aulacidae.
Pselactus spadix
Pselactus spadix is a wood-boring weevil in the subfamily Cossoninae, native to Europe but also recorded in North America and the Azores. It develops within timber, particularly in marine and coastal environments, and can complete its entire life cycle without emerging from wood. The species is known for distinctive circular emergence holes and tunneling patterns in timber.
Psenocerus
Psenocerus is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. The genus is monotypic, containing only the species Psenocerus supernotatus, described by Thomas Say in 1823. Commonly known as the Currant-tip Borer, this small beetle exhibits remarkable ant mimicry, with adults measuring approximately 4 millimeters in length. The genus was established by LeConte in 1852.
Pseudastylopsis
Pseudastylopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by Dillon in 1956. The genus contains four described species distributed in North America. Members are classified in the tribe Acanthocinini, a diverse group of primarily wood-feeding cerambycids. Species are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly pines.
Pseudisobrachium carbonarium
Pseudisobrachium carbonarium is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae, first described by William Harris Ashmead in 1893. Members of this genus are small, dark-colored wasps that parasitize beetle larvae, particularly those of wood-boring and stored-product beetles. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group where species boundaries are often difficult to establish due to morphological similarity.
Ptilinus basalis
Ptilinus basalis is a species of beetle in the family Ptinidae, described by LeConte in 1858. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. Members of the genus Ptilinus are commonly known as horned powder-post beetles due to the distinctive antennae of males. The species is part of a group of wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in dead or decaying wood.
Ptosima laeta
Texas redbud borer
Ptosima laeta, commonly known as the Texas redbud borer, is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Waterhouse in 1882. The species is found in Central America and North America. As a member of Buprestidae, it belongs to a family commonly referred to as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles, characterized by their often striking metallic coloration and larvae that bore into wood.
Purpuricenus axillaris
White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus axillaris is a large, showy longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Haldeman in 1847. It is one of three eastern North American species in the genus Purpuricenus, distinguished by transverse basal elytral markings that cover the entire basal half of the elytra in yellow to orange coloration. The species is strongly attracted to fermenting bait traps and has been documented in association with hickory (Carya) as its larval host. It was historically confused with the similar but distinct P. paraxillaris, which was described as a new species in 2000.
Purpuricenus humeralis
Red Triangle Long-horned Beetle
Purpuricenus humeralis is a large, showy longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It is distinguished from congeners by triangular red or orange markings on the humeri (shoulders) of the elytra, rather than transverse bands covering the basal half. The species occurs in northeastern North America and is attracted to fermenting bait traps. It is one of three similar Purpuricenus species in eastern North America, historically confused with P. axillaris until careful study revealed consistent morphological differences.
Purpuricenus opacus
Purpuricenus opacus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Knull in 1937. It is considered a west Texas specialty that has been recently documented from oak in the Lincoln National Forest of Eddy County, New Mexico, expanding its known range beyond Texas. The species is associated with oak woodlands in pinyon/oak/juniper habitats.
Rhyssella
Rhyssella is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus was established by Rohwer in 1920. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wood-boring insects, with documented associations to wood-wasps in the genus Xiphydria. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Rosalia funebris
Banded Alder Borer
Rosalia funebris, commonly known as the Banded Alder Borer, is a striking longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is notable for its bold black-and-white coloration and elongated body form. Adults are active in spring and summer and are frequently observed on the bark of hardwood trees, particularly alders. The species is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and New Mexico. Unlike many wood-boring beetles, it is not considered a significant pest as it generally lays eggs in downed rather than living trees.
Saperda calcarata
Poplar Borer
Saperda calcarata, commonly known as the poplar borer, is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species is native to North America, occurring in Canada and the United States. Larvae are significant pests of balsam poplar and related Populus species, tunneling at the junction of the root and stem where they cause structural damage that can girdle and kill trees. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in western Canada and possesses a recognized variety, Saperda calcarata var. adspersa, distinguished by coloration differences between sexes.
Saperda candida
Round-headed Apple Tree Borer
Saperda candida is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is a significant pest of trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), particularly apple, pear, hawthorn, and crabapple. The species was described by Fabricius in 1787 and occurs across Canada and the eastern United States. Its larvae are roundheaded borers that tunnel beneath bark and destroy cambium tissue, often killing young or stressed trees.
Saperda cretata
Spotted Apple Tree Borer
Saperda cretata is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Newman in 1838. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. The species is commonly known as the Spotted Apple Tree Borer, indicating a likely association with apple and related trees in the rose family (Rosaceae). Like other members of the genus Saperda, it is expected to have larvae that bore into wood, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Saperda discoidea
Hickory Saperda
Saperda discoidea is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It is commonly known as the Hickory Saperda. The species belongs to the genus Saperda, a group of wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in living or stressed deciduous trees. Like other members of its genus, this species is associated with hardwood hosts, with hickory indicated by its common name. It occurs in North America with records from Canada (Ontario and Québec) and the United States.
Saperda lateralis
Red-edged Saperda
Saperda lateralis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. It is broadly distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Canada through the eastern United States. The species is associated with several tree hosts, particularly maples, and is known to attack stressed or declining trees. A distinctive subspecies, S. lateralis rileyi, was described in 2010 from the lower Mississippi Delta region based on consistent morphological differences and partial geographic separation from nominate populations.
Saperda moesta moesta
A North American subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults are characterized by elongated bodies with exceptionally long antennae typical of the family. The subspecific status indicates geographic variation within the broader species Saperda moesta, which belongs to a genus known for wood-boring larvae that develop in living or stressed trees.
Saperda mutica
Saperda mutica is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Saperda, it is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae develop in living or stressed trees. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging genus where species identification often requires careful examination of morphological details.
Saperda puncticollis
Woodbine Borer
Saperda puncticollis is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Commonly known as the Woodbine Borer, this species occurs in Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Saperda, it is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae develop within living or stressed woody plants.
Saperda tridentata
elm borer
Saperda tridentata, commonly known as the elm borer, is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. The species was described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1795. It is notable for its specialized association with elm species (Ulmus), serving as both a direct pest and a vector of Dutch elm disease. The beetle's life cycle involves larval tunneling in cambium and sapwood, creating characteristic U-shaped galleries. It also acts as a host for the parasitoid wasp Cenocoelius saperdae.
Saperda vestita
Linden Borer
Saperda vestita is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America, commonly known as the Linden Borer. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults have been recorded from willow trees, and the species has been the subject of gut microbiome research comparing its bacterial associates to those of other wood-boring beetles.
Scleroderminae
Scleroderminae is a subfamily of small parasitoid wasps within the family Bethylidae. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their compact body form and reduced wing venation compared to other bethylids. They are primarily known as parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly those in wood-boring and stem-boring families. The subfamily includes genera such as Sclerodermus, which has been studied for its potential in biological control.
Scobicia
horned powder-post beetles
Scobicia is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, containing approximately 11 described species. Members are small beetles, with adults of at least one species measuring 3.3–4.5 mm in length. The genus is placed in the tribe Xyloperthini and is distributed across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. At least some species are pests of dead or felled timber, creating extensive tunnel systems in stored wood.
Scobicia arizonica
horned powder-post beetle
Scobicia arizonica is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, first described by Lesne in 1907. It is one of the powder-post beetles, a group known for their ability to reduce seasoned wood to a fine powder. The species is found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States including Arizona.
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.
Scolytinae
Bark and Ambrosia Beetles, Bark Beetles
Scolytinae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 220 genera and 6,000 species commonly known as bark and ambrosia beetles. Members are characterized by their specialized association with woody plants, where they excavate galleries beneath bark for reproduction and larval development. The subfamily includes some of the most economically significant forest pests globally, such as the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), which cause billions of dollars in timber losses. Species exhibit diverse feeding strategies: phloem-feeding bark beetles consume living or dying tree tissues, while ambrosia beetles cultivate symbiotic fungi in galleries as a food source.
Semanotus amethystinus
Amethyst Cedar Borer
Semanotus amethystinus is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the Amethyst Cedar Borer. The species is native to western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii. Adults are typically found on or near their coniferous host trees, particularly junipers and cedars. Larvae develop as wood-borers in the trunks and larger limbs of living or stressed trees, creating galleries packed with frass.
Semanotus litigiosus
Firtree Borer
Semanotus litigiosus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) known as the firtree borer, found in the coniferous forest belt of North America. The species is a wood-boring pest of white fir (Abies concolor), with larvae causing significant damage to windthrown timber by excavating galleries in the phloem and boring deep into the sapwood to construct pupal chambers. Adults emerge in spring and lay eggs in bark crevices, with a life cycle spanning approximately one year.
Sesia
clearwing moths
Sesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by their wasp-like appearance due to transparent wings and narrow bodies. These diurnal moths are active during daylight hours and are often mistaken for hymenopterans. The genus includes species that develop as wood-boring larvae in various tree hosts.
Sinoxylon
Sinoxylon is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Species in this genus are associated with diverse host plants including bamboo, rubber, cassava, and allspice. Several species have been introduced to new regions through international trade in wood packaging materials, with documented establishment in Greece and Brazil.
Sinoxylon anale
horned powder-post beetle, auger beetle
Sinoxylon anale is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles or auger beetles. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Australia, North America, Southern Asia, and Europe. It develops in dead or dying woody material and has been recorded as a pest in agricultural and nursery settings. Recent studies have documented its establishment in Brazil and first record in Greece, with expanding host associations including allspice, jabuticaba, and various native and exotic woody plants.
Sirex
horntail, wood wasp
Sirex is a genus of horntail woodwasps in the family Siricidae. These insects are characterized by an obligate mutualistic relationship with wood-decaying fungi, which they carry in specialized abdominal organs called mycangia and introduce into host trees during oviposition. The fungus digests wood cellulose, providing nutrition for the developing larvae. The genus includes significant forest pests, notably Sirex noctilio, which has become invasive in multiple continents outside its native range.
Sirex nigricornis
black-horned woodwasp, native woodwasp
Sirex nigricornis is a native North American woodwasp (family Siricidae) that inhabits pine forests in the eastern United States. Unlike the invasive congener Sirex noctilio, this species primarily attacks stressed, dying, or recently dead pines rather than healthy trees. Females possess a prominent ovipositor for drilling into wood and deposit eggs along with a symbiotic wood-decaying fungus. The species serves as host for multiple parasitoids including the nematode Deladenus proximus, which sterilizes female eggs, and the ichneumonid wasp Rhyssa howdenorum.
Spathius
Spathius is a genus of doryctine wasps in the family Braconidae. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, with several species introduced to North America as biological control agents for the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). The genus includes both native and introduced species that exhibit host-specific relationships with their beetle hosts.
Spectralia
Spectralia is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) established by Casey in 1909. The genus contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are associated with woody host plants, particularly oaks (Quercus) and persimmons (Diospyros). Larvae develop in dead or dying branches, often in the transition zone between living and dead wood. Adults are active during spring and early summer and have been documented visiting flowers.
Spectralia prosternalis
Spectralia prosternalis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Schaeffer in 1904. The genus Spectralia comprises small to medium-sized jewel beetles with distinctive coloration. This species is recorded from North America. Members of this genus are typically associated with woody plants, though specific host relationships for S. prosternalis remain undocumented.
Spectralia purpurascens
Spectralia purpurascens is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1905. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. As with other members of the genus Spectralia, it is presumed to have a wood-boring larval stage, but host associations and other life history traits have not been documented.
Stenaspis verticalis
Stenaspis verticalis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Audinet-Serville in 1834. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for robust, often strikingly patterned beetles. Field observations indicate this species is closely associated with Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), on which adults have been found resting and mating. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with documented records from Arizona and potentially extending into Central America.
Stenosphenus notatus
Stenosphenus notatus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to eastern North America. It is notable for its exceptionally early spring emergence, appearing during the first warm days of late March and disappearing before most other longhorned beetles become active. The species is closely associated with hickory trees (Carya), where larvae develop beneath the bark of dead limbs. Adults overwinter, an unusual life history strategy among eastern U.S. cerambycids.