Black twig borer

Scientific name: Xylosandrus compactus

Size: 0,8-1,9 mm

Origin: South-eastern Asia

Name (ES): Escarabajo negro de la ambrosía

Description:

Detected in the Balearic Islands in 2019.

This polyphagous beetle is associated with fungi, digging galleries into branches to house the fungal symbionts it carries which its larvae feed on. The result is weakened and dried-out trees. It can infest a wide variety of woody plants and economically important crops. Its impact on carob (Ceratonia siliqua) stands out.

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Posted in Species.