Black locust borer - Ask Extension
The attached photo was taken at our property. An arborist has identified it as a Black Locust Borer. He suggested we contact you as these locusts ar...
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Black locust borer #825498
Asked April 13, 2023, 2:36 PM EDT
The attached photo was taken at our property. An arborist has identified it as a Black Locust Borer. He suggested we contact you as these locusts are classified as invasive. He did not seem overly worried as the tree is healthy. The tree in question is a 50+yr old Black Locust. We live in the Willamette Valley, North of Dallas, OR.
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, yes, I agree that looks like the locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae) Although this is a non-native species, the host (black locust) is also non-native. The locust borer is reported to only feed on black locust, so our native trees have been given a pass. I'm not aware of any efforts to control or monitor this beetle because it does not threaten our native forests. It is a generally well known issue for black locust in Oregon however.
Thanks for the info. I won’t worry about it. I had read that the borers had not been found west of the Cascades so thought this was evidence of wider distribution.
Thanks again.
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On Apr 13, 2023, at 2:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: