Mulberry Borer
Dorcaschema wildii
This record describes Dorcaschema wildii (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
white lateral lines running from the head backwards, small scattered black spots
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Dorcaschematini
- Genus
- Dorcaschema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US (IL‒w.NC‒FL Panhandle to KS‒e.TX)
Seasonal Activity
May‒Aug ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Aesculus glabra, Maclura pomifera, Morus spp.
Life History
1‒2 yrs; eggs laid in niches chewed in the bark. Young larvae feed between the bark and the wood, destroying cambium in 2" square areas. After 1‒3 months they bore into the wood. Galleries angle upward and inward, then bend back toward the surface. Overwinter as larvae ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dorcaschema wildii Uhler 1855
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorcaschema wildii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mulberry Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulberry Borer
What is Mulberry Borer?
Mulberry Borer (Dorcaschema wildii) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mulberry Borer?
15‒23 mm
How do you identify Mulberry Borer?
white lateral lines running from the head backwards, small scattered black spots
Where is Mulberry Borer found?
Range: e.US (IL‒w.NC‒FL Panhandle to KS‒e.TX)
What does Mulberry Borer eat?
The diet of the Mulberry Borer includes hosts: Aesculus glabra, Maclura pomifera, Morus spp..
When is Mulberry Borer active?
Mulberry Borer: seasonal activity - May‒Aug ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Mulberry Borer?
1‒2 yrs; eggs laid in niches chewed in the bark. Young larvae feed between the bark and the wood, destroying cambium in 2" square areas. After 1‒3 months they bore into the wood. Galleries angle upward and inward, then bend back toward the surface. Overwinter as larvae ( 5 )