Sassafras Borer
Oberea ruficollis
This record describes Oberea ruficollis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra gray-brown to black, rest of body (save feet & ant.) orange
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Phytoeciini
- Genus
- Oberea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in e. US , w. at least to TX
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae bore into stems and roots of Sassafras and Lindera (spicebush)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oberea ruficollis. 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 Sassafras Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sassafras Borer
What is Sassafras Borer?
Sassafras Borer (Oberea ruficollis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sassafras Borer?
15-21 mm, the largest in the genus (others do not exceed 18 mm)
How do you identify Sassafras Borer?
Elytra gray-brown to black, rest of body (save feet & ant.) orange
Where is Sassafras Borer found?
Range: Widespread in e. US , w. at least to TX
What does Sassafras Borer eat?
The diet of the Sassafras Borer includes Larvae bore into stems and roots of Sassafras and Lindera (spicebush).
When is Sassafras Borer active?
Sassafras Borer: seasonal activity - May-Aug.