The Redheaded Ash Borer (Neoclytus acuminatus) is a type of longhorned beetle that is commonly found in various regions of North America. These fascinating insects are notable for their reddish heads and thoraces, as well as their dark wings featuring four narrow, yellow bands. Although the adult beetles resemble wasps, they are entirely harmless to humans.
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These beetles are known for breeding in newly planted living trees, dying or dead hardwood trees, and even felled logs with bark still intact. Examples of the trees they infest include oak, hickory, persimmon, hackberry, and ash. While their larvae may damage wood used for commercial purposes, they also contribute to the natural decomposition process and soil enrichment.
The Redheaded Ash Borer’s life cycle involves overwintering inside tree trunks, with adults emerging in early spring to lay eggs under the bark of dead, unseasoned wood. The larvae then feed beneath the bark and tunnel into the sapwood, sometimes reducing it to powder. There are generally two to three generations of these beetles per year, making them an essential part of the ecosystem in which they thrive.
Identification of Red Headed Ash Borer
Scientific Name and Classification
The Red Headed Ash Borer belongs to the Animalia kingdom and is classified as follows:
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Cerambycidae
- Genus: Neoclytus
- Species: Neoclytus acuminatus
Description and Physical Characteristics
The Red Headed Ash Borer is a relatively slender beetle with the following characteristics:
- Size: 1/2 to 5/8 inch long
- Head and thorax: Reddish
- Wings: Dark
- Legs: Long
Distinctive Features
Some of the distinctive features of the Red Headed Ash Borer are:
- Red-colored head and thorax
- Horizontal markings on wings
- Long legs
Based on the given information, a comparison table highlighting some key features of the Red Headed Ash Borer is provided below:
| Feature | Red Headed Ash Borer |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neoclytus acuminatus |
| Order | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 1/2 to 5/8 inch long |
| Head and Thorax Color | Reddish |
| Wing Color | Dark with horizontal bands |
| Legs | Long |
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Eggs and Larvae
- Redheaded ash borers lay eggs beneath tree bark.
- Larvae feed under the bark and tunnel into the sapwood.
The redheaded ash borer’s life cycle begins with the female adult beetle laying eggs beneath the bark of dead or unseasoned wood. These eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the tree’s soft layer just beneath the bark. As these larvae grow, they begin to tunnel into the sapwood, often turning it into powder in the process1.
Pupal Stage
- Pupae overwinter in tree trunks.
- Adult beetles emerge from pupae in early spring.
The larvae then move on to the pupal stage, during which they overwinter in the trunk of infested trees2. This stage allows the insect to survive through cold conditions until the next spring, when the adult beetles emerge and the cycle repeats.
Adults
| Feature | Redheaded ash borer adults |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Males: 13 days, Females: 21-22 days |
| Feeding | Ash foliage |
| Mating | After several days of feeding |
Adult redheaded ash borers feed on ash tree foliage for a few days after they emerge3. Once they have consumed enough nutrients, the adults begin to mate, with males living for an average of 13 days and females living for 21-22 days3. The females then lay their eggs, starting the life cycle anew3.
The redheaded ash borer may have two or three generations per year2, which can speed up the spread of these beetles and cause damage to trees more rapidly.
Host Plants and Habitats
Preferred Tree Species
The Red Headed Ash Borer (Neoclytus acuminatus) mainly targets:
- Ash
- Oak
- Hickory
- Hackberry
- Persimmon
These are their preferred host plants, with ash being its primary target1.
Damage to Hardwoods
The borer’s larvae damage hardwoods by:
- Tunneling into inner bark and sapwood2
- Cutting off sap flow, weakening the tree
- Creating horizontal and vertical burrows in trunks3
This can cause breakage in young trees, affecting both their health and appearance.
Commonly Infested Areas
Generally, Red Headed Ash Borers infest:
- Dead or dying hardwood trees
- Newly planted living trees
- Felled logs with bark intact4
Established trees are less likely to be infested by these borers.
Comparing Tree Species Prone to Red Headed Ash Borer
| Tree Species | Susceptibility to Red Headed Ash Borer |
|---|---|
| Ash | High |
| Oak | High |
| Hickory | High |
| Hackberry | High |
| Persimmon | High |
| Maple | Low |
| Elm | Low |
Signs of Infestation and Damage
Visible Symptoms on Trees
Red-headed ash borers can infest and damage a variety of hardwood trees. Some common symptoms include:
- Wilted leaves
- Branch breakage
- Discolored bark
These symptoms should not be ignored as they may indicate a more severe infestation.
Crevices and Exit Holes
A major sign of red-headed ash borer infestation is the presence of crevices and exit holes on the tree trunk. These holes are usually:
- Small and round (about ⅛ inch in diameter)
- Found in clusters on bark
Exit holes indicate that the adult beetles have emerged from the tree after completing their larval stage.
Frass and Powder
Another sign of red-headed ash borer infestation is the presence of frass (insect waste) and sawdust-like powder. This is produced by the larvae as they tunnel inside the tree, and may be found:
- Near the base of the tree
- Around crevices and exit holes
Keep an eye out for these signs to identify and manage red-headed ash borer infestations early.
Prevention and Control Measures
Treatment Methods
- Permethrin: One effective treatment for redheaded ash borers is using permethrin, which can control the pest by killing the larvae.
- Pros: Efficient at controlling infestations, relatively low toxicity compared to other insecticides
- Cons: May harm non-target insects
- Systemic Insecticides: Another method to control emerald ash borer (EAB), a similar wood-boring beetle, is to use systemic insecticides that move within the tree to protect it.
- Pros: Provides comprehensive protection, can be used as a preventative measure
- Cons: May require professional application, may pose environmental concerns
| Treatment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Permethrin | Efficient, relatively low toxicity | May harm non-target insects |
| Systemic Insecticides | Comprehensive protection, preventive use | May require professional application, environmental concerns |
Protecting Healthy Trees
- Watering: Proper watering can help keep trees healthy and resist infestations. Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to attack by the redheaded ash borer.
- Nursery Stock: Choose healthy trees when planting, as weak or damaged trees may be more prone to infestations.
Proper Tree Care
- Downed Timber: Remove downed timber from the area to reduce potential habitats for the beetle.
- Firewood: Avoid storing unseasoned logs or firewood near healthy trees to prevent the spread of the borer.
- Mulch: Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and maintain healthy tree conditions.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Red Headed Ash Borer vs. Other Borers
Emerald Ash Borer Comparison
- Red Headed Ash Borer (RHAB) is a slender beetle with reddish head and thorax, while Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has a bright metallic green color and is more robust in shape. EAB is highly destructive to ash trees, while RHAB infests various hardwood trees.
- Larvae stage: EAB grubs are flat, segmented, and have a creamy-white color, whereas RHAB larvae, known as legless grubs, are pale brown and have a distinct reddish head.
- Both species tunnel beneath the bark, but RHAB larvae extend their feeding into the sapwood, while EAB larvae mainly feed in the phloem and outer sapwood.
Banded Ash Borer Comparison
- Banded Ash Borer is another wood-boring beetle, with a cylindrical body, dark antennae, and distinct yellowish-white bands on its body.
- RHAB and Banded Ash Borer larvae share some similarities as both are legless grubs, but the Banded Ash Borer grubs are usually larger than those of RHAB.
- Banded Ash Borer infestations are typically less damaging to trees compared to RHAB and EAB, and they usually attack dying or weakened trees.
Flatheaded Appletree Borer Comparison
| Feature | Red Headed Ash Borer | Flatheaded Appletree Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Long-horned Beetles (Cerambycidae) | Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles (Buprestidae) |
| Larvae Appearance | Pale brown with a reddish head | Creamy white, wider at body’s front |
| Infested Trees | Various hardwoods, including ash | Fruit and nut trees, such as apple and oak |
| Adult Beetle Length | 1/2 to 5/8 inch | Up to 1/2 inch |
As seen in the table, RHAB and Flatheaded Appletree Borer belong to different beetle families. They may share some similarities, such as attacking stressed or damaged trees, but infestation signs and characteristics are different. The grubs’ body shapes differ, with Flatheaded Appletree Borer larvae showing a wider front portion, while RHAB larvae have a distinct reddish head and a more uniform body width.
Range and Distribution
Geographical Spread
The Redheaded Ash Borer (Neoclytus acuminatus) can be found across North America, breeding in a variety of hardwood trees:
- Newly planted living trees
- Dying or dead trees
- Felled logs with bark intact1
Adults typically emerge in early spring and lay eggs beneath the bark of dead, unseasoned wood2.
Impact on U.S. Regions
Redheaded Ash Borers are widely distributed across the U.S., feeding primarily on hardwoods such as:
- Ash
- Oak
- Hickory
- Persimmon
- Hackberry3
Their larvae aid decomposition processes and enrich the soil. However, they can cause damage to felled wood and affect the value of timber3.
Current Information
Insects and trees involved:
- Redheaded Ash Borer: Primarily encountered in hardwood trees1
- Emerald Ash Borer: Distinct species affecting ash trees4
Seasonal activity:
Distribution:
- Widely distributed across U.S. regions
- Contributes to decomposition and soil enrichment3
Impact on U.S. regions:
- Favors various hardwood trees (e.g., ash, oak, hickory)3
- Damages felled wood, affecting timber value3
Footnotes
13 Comments. Leave new
we have been finding red headed ash borer in our house and we have lived in this house from three years and we just started to see them, so I found this site and am just wondering what to do with them and get rid of them?
They might have come in with firewood. They won’t infest the wood in your home or furniture, but they frequently appear when people store firewood in the basement or other location indoors.
hi , i have a camel like cricket but it has extra limbs and is blind. the extra legs go over the front like feelers and climbs walls. it is fuzzy and pink. no i havent been drinking…. i wish i have a piture but it has gone back into the wall. freaked out cause never seen it before. from the head back it look normal four legs on each side, with the black strips on thorax . the head was pink as well and antenni . 2-4 inches long . just wondering if you would have a clue what it is???
i live in colorado.
hi , i have a camel like cricket but it has extra limbs and is blind. the extra legs go over the front like feelers and climbs walls. it is fuzzy and pink. no i havent been drinking…. i wish i have a piture but it has gone back into the wall. freaked out cause never seen it before. from the head back it look normal four legs on each side, with the black strips on thorax . the head was pink as well and antenni . 2-4 inches long . just wondering if you would have a clue what it is???
i live in colorado.
The first thing that comes to mind is a Tailless Whipscorpion, a harmless, nocturnal predator. See BugGuide for additional information and photographs. Another possibility is a Huntsman Spider. Again, see BugGuide for additional information. Without a photo, we cannot provide a conclusive identification. We are unclear why you provided this comment on a Red Headed Ash Borer posting instead of a Camel Cricket which you mentioned.
We just laid an ash floor in our brand new home. It came from a 150 year old tree from my grandpa’s farm. We noticed before we got the wood tongue and grooved that there were these same bugs that had bored and were living in the wood. We sprayed with insecticide assuming that would take care of the problem but now that we are all moved it, we keep finding new bore holes and the little beetles in the home. They are most definitely from the wood and I’m concerned they will be ruining the wood under the surface. I have no idea what to do!
I cut down an ash tree and the bark fell off . I caught an all red bug that looks like a beetle I am aware of the Emerald Ash borer Beetle but this is all red with 6 legs . Is it destructive ?
Our money is on the beneficial, predatory Flat Bark Beetle.
Thank you much for the information. I am in Lancaster, Ca. (right next to Palmdale) and my husband just did a large prune job on our fruitless Mulberry tree. I found several of these beetles climbing on the cut would afterwards. My neighbor has an Ash tree so perhaps that explains them crawling about? Anyway, it’s wonderful to know what they are now and I’ll read all about them on the Bug Guide now. Thanks again!
You are most welcome.
Found 3 today in Massachusetts i think its a type of yellow jacket because it doesnt jump and the 2 with it trying to start a hive in my window
I have these in my home this season. We do have firewood to heat the home. 1st year with these insects tho. How do I get ride of them?
one landed on my arm while mowing in Kentucky yesterday. Thought it was a type of cricket. Its vibrant colors freaked me out but I just flicked it off.