Dogwood Twig Borer
Contact: Eric Day, Manager, Insect Identification Laboratory
August 1996
Dogwood Twig Borer
Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Obrea tripunctata
Plants Attacked
Elm, dogwood, viburnum and many fruit trees.
Description of Damage
The larvae feed down the center of the
branch making a long series of closely placed round holes for the
exudation of frass. Periodically the larvae cut off portions of
the twig from within and continues feeding on the green wood.
Identification
Larvae tunnel in live twigs. Larvae are about
1-2" long and white with a yellowish-brown head. Adults are
cylindrical, with a black head, wing covers, and abdomen. Thorax
is orange with three black dots.
Adults and Damage.
Life History
Adult borers appear in early June. They girdle
the tips of branches and deposit their eggs on the living twigs
near the girdling. Eggs hatch and the larvae enter the twig and
bore down the center. Damage usually causes death to branches
and ruins the appearance of shrubs or trees. The larvae
overwinter in the stems. In spring some larvae pupate while
others continue to develop into the second year. Those pupating
emerge by mid May or early june. One generation per year.
Larvae or pupae overwinter.
Control
Pruning burning of infested twigs is an effective
control measure. Sprays with recommended materials prior to
budding will also control this borer.
