Painted hickory borer

Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter

Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas

Adult painted hickory borer are known to feed on the sap of damaged trees or fermenting fruit, which can be used as bait in traps.

Eggs of painted hickory borer are typically deposited in crevices of the bark of hardwood trees. As larvae, they are found burrowed within the wood where they feed and develop, creating characteristic tunnels. In search of these larvae, investigate dead or dying trees, especially those with recent damage, peeling away bark sections as needed. Pupae reside in the wood close to the surface, and the area may require chiseling to reveal their chambers. Finally, adults are commonly located on or near the host trees, particularly on the bark or foliage, where they feed on sap and can be spotted during active daytime hours. When searching for adults, scanning tree trunks and branches in the appropriate habitat is crucial.

The best time to find adult painted hickory borer is during their active period, often from late spring to late summer. Larvae may be found throughout the year but are more easily found from late summer to mid-spring when they are closer to the wood's surface.

Painted hickory borer are most active in warm weather with low wind conditions, making this the optimal weather for finding and observing them.