IDK E36 M3 about bugs, hoping this isn't some invasive thing that's gonna kill our ecosystem and has no natural predator. Discovered while cutting some small trees and trimming hedges. Length of head and body (not legs) between 1/2-3/4"
IDK E36 M3 about bugs, hoping this isn't some invasive thing that's gonna kill our ecosystem and has no natural predator. Discovered while cutting some small trees and trimming hedges. Length of head and body (not legs) between 1/2-3/4"
appears to be harmless red-headed ash borer
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Looks like you are correct. I knew it was some type of wood boring beetle.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:appears to be harmless red-headed ash borer
As someone who lost ash trees to these things, I can't agree on the "harmless" bit.
Duke said:AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:appears to be harmless red-headed ash borer
As someone who lost ash trees to these things, I can't agree on the "harmless" bit.
Aren't those the reason why it's generally illegal to transport firewood across county lines?
Some kind of ash borer, anyway.
The invasive one is the emerald ash borer.
All the ash borers are pandemic around me. Very visible deforestation.
In to say "Absolutly, NOT harmless"! Ok, it's true they done bite people...
Ok, I'll accept "not harmless" if you'll agree to "not invasive" and/or "part of the normal ecosystem here in SE MI"
As I understand it, the Emerald Ash Borer (the invasive one) came from Asia and it is prolific and highly effective at destroying Ash trees. The other Ash Borer species have been around forever, but their habits don't kill the trees, just use them as hosts.
Kind of like comparing a Gypsy Moth caterpillar to any other caterpillar. Most moth and butterfly species eat leaves as larvae, but the Gypsy Moth destroys trees.
I wouldn't be concerned about a Red Borer. They basically bore under the bark, drop some eggs, and the tree seals it up after they hatch. The Emerald Borer is the one that just keeps digging, disrupting the Cambium layer, and allowing rot to get into the sapwood.
Admittedly, my Entymology education is 25 years old.
From the MSU Ag Extension Office:
This is a longhorned beetle. Their are eggs are laid within the trunk or stems of shrubs, and the larvae bore within. We have multiple species that are native to Michigan. This one is in the genus Strangalia, but I'm not sure of the species from the photo.
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