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Cottonwood borer

Cottonwood borer

Plectrodera scalator

A species of Plectrodera

The cottonwood borer (Plectrodera scalator) is one of the largest insects in North America. Combine that with a distinct black and white coloring, and it's a pretty noticeable insect. While these insects can kill young trees by removing a strip of bark from them, they typically don't cause too much damage to now-adults.

General Info About Cottonwood borer
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Attributes of Cottonwood borer
Colors
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
area with hostplant; riverbank
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Cottonwood borer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Cottonwood borer can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Cottonwood borer feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Appearance of Cottonwood borer
It is one of the largest insects in North America, with lengths reaching 4 cm and widths, 1.2 cm. The adult cottonwood borer is a large longhorn beetle with a black-and-white coloration and black antennae as long or longer than the body. The white portions are due to microscopic masses of hair. The larvae have legless, cylindrical, creamy-white bodies with a brown-to-black head.
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How to Identify Cottonwood borer?

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Life Cycle of Cottonwood borer
Egg The cottonwood borer begins as an egg, which is usually laid in a protected environment. The egg is small and inconspicuous to avoid predation, with a hard shell to shield the embryonic cottonwood borer inside.
Larva As a larva, the cottonwood borer is worm-like and has a voracious appetite. This stage is solely for feeding and growth. The larva undergoes several molts, increasing in size with each molt and sometimes changing in coloration.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the cottonwood borer is inactive and appears lifeless within a cocoon or chrysalis. Internally, drastic changes occur as the larva's body transforms into the adult form, including the development of wings.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult cottonwood borer displays sexual dimorphism, with differences between males and females. The hardened exoskeleton, often with characteristic patterns, signifies the adult stage, along with developed wings for dispersal and reproduction.
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Adult Size of Cottonwood borer
2 - 4 cm
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Predators of Cottonwood borer Larvae
Birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrate predators such as ants and other predatory beetles
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Predators of Adult Cottonwood borer
Birds, reptiles, mammalian insectivores, spiders, predatory insects such as assassin bugs and praying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Cottonwood borer
Cottonwood borer can detect fires from vast distances, navigating towards them to lay eggs in the burnt wood, which is softer and easier for larval development.
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Scientific Classification of Cottonwood borer
Tips for Finding Cottonwood borer
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Youth Habitat of Cottonwood borer
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Habitat Preferences of Cottonwood borer Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of cottonwood borer are typically laid within crevices of the bark of hardwood trees, a setting that provides protection and an immediate food source upon hatching. As larvae, cottonwood borer bore into the wood, where they can be found within the tree trunks, indulging in the nutrient-rich inner layers. To observe larvae, you would likely need to inspect under the bark or even within the tree itself, preferably with the aid of specialized equipment. Pupae of cottonwood borer develop within the tree as well, often close to where they were larvae. Adult cottonwood borer are most commonly spotted on or around host trees, especially during mating season when they emerge from the pupal chambers and are active on the tree surfaces or nearby vegetation.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Cottonwood borer
People should search for cottonwood borer during its active periods, typically from late spring to mid-summer when adults are most active and visible for mating and laying eggs.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Cottonwood borer
Calm, warm, and humid conditions are generally more suitable for finding cottonwood borer as these conditions favor the activity of many insect species, including cottonwood borer.
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How and Where Can You Find Cottonwood borer at Different Life Stages
Egg Cottonwood borer eggs are usually laid in the crevices of tree bark or in rotting wood. Carefully inspecting these areas can reveal the small, elongated eggs.
Larva Cottonwood borer larvae burrow into wood and are best found by searching for boreholes or frass on logs and the trunks of trees, particularly in decaying or dead hardwood.
Pupal Cottonwood borer pupae remain inside the wood where they developed as larvae. Locating pupae involves searching for the same signs as larvae, with the understanding that pupae are closer to the surface and ready to emerge.
Adult Cottonwood borer can be found on the bark of trees, attracted by sap flows or feeding on foliage. Look for them on sunny days by visually inspecting tree trunks and branches, especially where there are signs of damage or sap flow.
Are Cottonwood borer harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Cottonwood borer
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Forestry Pest

When cottonwood borer populations are small, host plants may only exhibit minor leaf and stem damage. However, severe infestations can lead to widespread boring in stems and roots, leading to the death of the plant. The resulting forest damage can impact timber production and ecosystem health, indirectly affecting human industries reliant on healthy forests.

More Effects of Cottonwood borer

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