Other things that make a hole like Asian Longhorn beetle? - Ask Extension
Holes in trunk of red maple(?) in Beaverton. There are rows of what appear to be sapsucker holes in the trunk from years past.
These new holes look s...
Knowledgebase
Other things that make a hole like Asian Longhorn beetle? #738278
Asked March 09, 2021, 4:10 PM EST
Holes in trunk of red maple(?) in Beaverton. There are rows of what appear to be sapsucker holes in the trunk from years past.
These new holes look similar, except that they are not in a line as would be expected with sapsucker-made holes. Maybe the sapsucker will be back to finish the row later?
Are there other birds or insects that make holes in maple trees that look like this that are not Asian Longhorn beetles?
Thanks!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
It's true that sapsucker holes are often found in rows, other times not so. Recognizing Sapsucker Holes on Your Trees has various images revealing some of the variations.
I strongly suspect the random holes on your tree are made by these birds. Such holes are quite shallow and somewhat irregular or pit-shaped.
On the other hand, emergence holes (exit holes) of Asian Longhorn Beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis) are nicely round, tidy holes that will penetrate deeply into the wood. Egg-laying sites appear as shallow patches of removed bark.
Text and excellent images are in Asian Longhorn Beetle, particularly the section 'Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms' (about halfway down the page). There, another image reveals the telltale signs of adult and larval activity: sawdust on the trunk, branches and/or base of the tree.
Thank you for being alert to changes in your tree. The authorities appreciate receiving citizen reports of unusual events, even though they are sometimes common. The reason? Sometimes, the report is of an exotic (invasive) pest that hasn't yet become established in Oregon, but that can be eradicated with an early detection and rapid response.
I strongly suspect the random holes on your tree are made by these birds. Such holes are quite shallow and somewhat irregular or pit-shaped.
On the other hand, emergence holes (exit holes) of Asian Longhorn Beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis) are nicely round, tidy holes that will penetrate deeply into the wood. Egg-laying sites appear as shallow patches of removed bark.
Text and excellent images are in Asian Longhorn Beetle, particularly the section 'Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms' (about halfway down the page). There, another image reveals the telltale signs of adult and larval activity: sawdust on the trunk, branches and/or base of the tree.
Thank you for being alert to changes in your tree. The authorities appreciate receiving citizen reports of unusual events, even though they are sometimes common. The reason? Sometimes, the report is of an exotic (invasive) pest that hasn't yet become established in Oregon, but that can be eradicated with an early detection and rapid response.
