Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Order	Coleoptera
Suborder	Polyphaga
Infraorder	Cucujiformia
Superfamily	Chrysomeloidea
Family	Cerambycidae
Subfamily	Lamiinae
Tribe	Onciderini
Subtribe	Onciderina
Genus	Oncideres

Scientific Name

Oncideres cingulata

Scientific Name Synonyms

Oncideres cingulatus

Common Name

twig girdler

Description

Twig girdlers are grayish-brown beetles, 1/2 to 5/8 (12 -16 mm) long, with reddish-brown heads bearing long antennae (Figure 23). Larvae are whitish, legless grubs that are found inside the twigs.

Damage

The adult girdles the pecan twigs in late summer and fall. This girdling (deep V cut) causes the injured branch to break off or hang loosely on the tree.

Seasonal History

Twig girdlers are generally present wherever pecans are grown. It is especially abundant in groves near timberland containing hickory and persimmon. The insects overwinter as eggs or grubs inside the severed limbs. The grubs grow slowly during the fall and winter months but in spring, as they begin to tunnel inside the twigs, they grow rapidly. They normally complete their growth, pupate, and emerge as beetles during the latter part of August. The adults lay eggs in the tips of twig and then girdle the twigs. Twig girdlers complete their life cycle in one year, although some individuals require a second season.

When to Control

Control measures may be necessary in groves that have a history of infestation. Severed branches lodged in the trees and those on the ground should be gathered and burned during the winter.

Originally compiled from

Oncideres cingulata - Twig Girdlers