Description: Infestations can be identified by toothpick-like spines protruding up to 1.5 inches from the host plant. The spines are strings of boring dust produced by the female beetle as she excavates her gallery. The spines are fragile and are easily broken off by wind or rain. Individual plants may host from one to more that 50 individual beetles. Although adults can be captured most of the year, trap data indicate they are most active during March.
Known Hosts: Pecan, peach, plum, cherry, persimmon, golden rain tree, sweet gum, Shumard oak, Chinese elm, magnolia, fig, Mexican buckeye, and sweet potato are susceptible to attack.
Control: Infested plants or plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Insecticide applications to the trunks of surrounding plants may help reduce infestations.
If Found: Call your county extension office or Department of Agriculture.
revised 8/24/01