Elm Borer
Saperda tridentata
This record describes Saperda tridentata (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra covered with powdery/pearly-gray to medium gray pubescence; orangish or reddish stripe along lateral margin, and 3 bands of same color across each elytron; basal band extends inward at right-angles to margin for short distance, then curves toward rear; middle band oblique, straight, extending from lateral margin to medial margin; two black spots on side of pronotum, and two more black spots on each elytron - one anterior to the basal band, and another posterior to the apical band S. tridentata is not the main vector of Dutch Elm Disease but has been known to transmit the fungus ( Ophiostoma ulmi ) which causes the disease.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Saperdini
- Genus
- Saperda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous woods containing elms
Geographic Range
e NA (TX-FL-NB-MB)
Seasonal Activity
Adults from May to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed in galleries under bark of several species of elm - Ulmus spp.
Life History
Overwinters in pupal cells in sapwood of elm trees; adults emerge in May and June, and lay a single egg at night in crack of bark of stressed trees; larvae bore beneath bark in galleries; usually one generation per year In rapidly dried woods, 3 years may be needed to complete a life cycle
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Saperda tridentata Olivier 1795
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Saperda tridentata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elm Borer
What is Elm Borer?
Elm Borer (Saperda tridentata) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elm Borer?
8-17 mm
How do you identify Elm Borer?
Elytra covered with powdery/pearly-gray to medium gray pubescence; orangish or reddish stripe along lateral margin, and 3 bands of same color across each elytron; basal band extends inward at right-angles to margin for short distance, then curves toward rear; middle band oblique, straight, extending from lateral margin to medial margin; two black spots on side of pronotum, and two more black spots on each elytron - one anterior to the basal band, and another posterior to the apical band
Where is Elm Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous woods containing elms |
| Range | e NA (TX-FL-NB-MB) |
What does Elm Borer eat?
The diet of the Elm Borer includes Larvae feed in galleries under bark of several species of elm - Ulmus spp..
When is Elm Borer active?
Elm Borer: seasonal activity - Adults from May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Elm Borer?
Overwinters in pupal cells in sapwood of elm trees; adults emerge in May and June, and lay a single egg at night in crack of bark of stressed trees; larvae bore beneath bark in galleries; usually one generation per year In rapidly dried woods, 3 years may be needed to complete a life cycle