Willow Borer
Xylotrechus insignis
This record describes Xylotrechus insignis (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Xylotrechus insignis is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. Xylotrechus insignis is commonly referred to as a willow borer which means that it drills into trees usually killing or harming the tree. Xylotrechus insignis lives mainly in trees and especially willows; mainly in North America. They get to be about 12 to 16 mm long...
Wikipedia reference for Xylotrechus insignis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylotrechus_insignis.
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
OR to Baja CA
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept in CA (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xylotrechus insignis LeConte 1873
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylotrechus insignis. 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 Willow Borer (4)
Photo credits: (c) Ken Schneider, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ken Schneider | (c) Spencer Holmes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Spencer Holmes | (c) Benjamin J. Dion, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Benjamin J. Dion | Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Borer
What is Willow Borer?
Willow Borer (Xylotrechus insignis) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Willow Borer found?
Range: OR to Baja CA
When is Willow Borer active?
Willow Borer: seasonal activity - May-Sept in CA (BG data).