Gall-making Maple Borer
Xylotrechus aceris
This record describes Xylotrechus aceris (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Clytini
- Genus
- Xylotrechus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne NA
Seasonal Activity
vi-viii
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Various maples
Life History
Eggs laid during mid-summer in wounds or at bases of dead twigs along the trunk. The larvae bore into sapwood, later tunneling into heartwood, often destroying the center of the trees. They can also cause formation of galls or swellings around the wounds. During the 2nd summer, they bore upwards or downwards and pupate in cells at end of tunnels.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xylotrechus aceris Fisher 1917
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylotrechus aceris. 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 Gall-making Maple Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Roth; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Gall-making Maple Borer
How big is Gall-making Maple Borer?
10‒14 mm
Where is Gall-making Maple Borer found?
Range: ne NA
What does Gall-making Maple Borer eat?
The diet of the Gall-making Maple Borer includes Various maples.
When is Gall-making Maple Borer active?
Gall-making Maple Borer: seasonal activity - vi-viii.
What is the life cycle of a Gall-making Maple Borer?
Eggs laid during mid-summer in wounds or at bases of dead twigs along the trunk. The larvae bore into sapwood, later tunneling into heartwood, often destroying the center of the trees. They can also cause formation of galls or swellings around the wounds. During the 2nd summer, they bore upwards or downwards and pupate in cells at end of tunnels.