Dogwood Twig Borer
Oberea tripunctata
This record describes Oberea tripunctata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum with a pair of black calli and a basal black spot near the scutellum, underside mostly dark, and outer margin of mandibles nearly straight
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
e. NA to MB-TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , rare along Gulf and s.Atlantic coasts
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae bore into living branches of Cornus, Prunus, Viburnum, Ulmus, Vaccinium, Populus, Salix and Morus
Life History
Adults appear in early spring after girdling the tip of the host. They lay their eggs in living twigs. The larva bores down the center of the twig, making a long series of holes. Pupation is in spring between two wads of frass. ( 5 ) Overwinters as a larva ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oberea tripunctata (Swederus 1787)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oberea tripunctata. 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 Dogwood Twig Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogwood Twig Borer
What is Dogwood Twig Borer?
Dogwood Twig Borer (Oberea tripunctata) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dogwood Twig Borer?
8-13 mm
How do you identify Dogwood Twig Borer?
pronotum with a pair of black calli and a basal black spot near the scutellum, underside mostly dark, and outer margin of mandibles nearly straight
Where is Dogwood Twig Borer found?
Range: e. NA to MB-TX - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , rare along Gulf and s.Atlantic coasts
What does Dogwood Twig Borer eat?
The diet of the Dogwood Twig Borer includes larvae bore into living branches of Cornus, Prunus, Viburnum, Ulmus, Vaccinium, Populus, Salix and Morus.
What is the life cycle of a Dogwood Twig Borer?
Adults appear in early spring after girdling the tip of the host. They lay their eggs in living twigs. The larva bores down the center of the twig, making a long series of holes. Pupation is in spring between two wads of frass. ( 5 ) Overwinters as a larva ( 5 )