Wood Borers
From Bugwoodwiki
Hagle, S.K; S. Tunnock; K.E. Gibson; and C.J. Gilligan. 1987. Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. State and Private Forestry, Northern Region. Missoula, Montana. Reprint 1990. Publication Number R1-89-54.
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Contents |
Hosts
Most western conifers.
Distribution
Throughout Idaho and Montana
Damage
Larvae feed in both cambium and wood making large, extensive galleries (fig. 45). Some species tunnel into sapwood and into the heartwood in some cases. Typically, weakened or recently cut or killed trees are attacked.
Identification
Roundheaded borer larvae are large, cylindrically shaped with head only slightly larger in diameter than the rest of the body (fig. 45). Larvae may be up to 1-1/2 inches long. Galleries are loosely packed with coarse boring material. Adults are often large, many being over I inch long, sometimes colorful beetles with antennae generally longer than body length (fig. 46).
Flatheaded borer larvae often are large (depending on species) but distinct in that two body segments behind the head are usually flattened and much wider than the rest of the body (fig. 47). May be up to 1-1/2 inches long. Galleries are tightly packed with fine boring dust. Adults are large beetles--one-half to I inch long--and somewhat flattened in appearance (fig. 48). Though colors may vary from green to black to bronze, all are "metallic" looking. Some species are solid colors, others patterned. Antennae are much shorter than body length.
Similar damages
Often found in trees killed by bark beetles, small larvae may be confused with other beetle larvae. As they develop, their body size and shape and gallery patterns will distinguish them from bark beetles. Flatheaded and roundheaded borers can generally be distinguished one from the other by above noted characteristics.
Gallery
 Photo by Ladd Livingston, Idaho Department of Lands, Bugwood.org |  Photo by Bob Oakes, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org |
References
- Anonymous. 1982. For. Insect & disease identification and management. USDA For. Serv., Northern Region; Idaho Dept. of Lands, Insect and Disease Control; Montana Dept. of State Lands, Division of Forestry. 192 p.
- Furniss, R. L., and V. M. Carolin. 1977. Western For. Insects. USDA Forest Serv., Misc. pub. 1339, 654 p., illus.
