Birch and Beech Girdler
Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus
This record describes Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus (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 (NS‒MB to NJ‒PA) and to GA along to Appalachians (BG data; discussion )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: girdler of live branches of beech, alder, birch
Life History
univoltine; eggs laid in the axils of twigs, in bark crevices, and in healed over injuries on branches. Young larvae feed beneath the bark, often girdling and killing the branch quickly. Later they bore toward the pith in concentric circles until the branch is almost severed, then they turn and bore toward the tip. Overwinter as pupae ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus (Haldeman 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylotrechus quadrimaculatus. 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 Birch and Beech Girdler (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch and Beech Girdler
How big is Birch and Beech Girdler?
8‒15 mm
Where is Birch and Beech Girdler found?
Range: ne.NA (NS‒MB to NJ‒PA) and to GA along to Appalachians (BG data; discussion )
What does Birch and Beech Girdler eat?
The diet of the Birch and Beech Girdler includes girdler of live branches of beech, alder, birch.
What is the life cycle of a Birch and Beech Girdler?
univoltine; eggs laid in the axils of twigs, in bark crevices, and in healed over injuries on branches. Young larvae feed beneath the bark, often girdling and killing the branch quickly. Later they bore toward the pith in concentric circles until the branch is almost severed, then they turn and bore toward the tip. Overwinter as pupae ( 3 )