Warty longhorn beetle

Systematic position. The Warty longhorn beetle (Anaglyptus verrucosus) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. It is a wood-boring insect that typically develops in the trunks and branches of various woody plants, occasionally becoming a significant pest in orchards and plantations.

Host plants. This species has a preference for a variety of broad-leaved trees. In an agricultural and horticultural context, it is known to infest grapevines, walnut trees, and various fruit-bearing species such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries, often targeting weakened or stressed specimens.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle involves the larvae boring into the woody tissue. Adult beetles are active during the warmer months, during which they mate and lay eggs in bark crevices or wounds. The larvae feed internally, creating galleries that can compromise the structural integrity and nutrient transport system of the host tree.

Nature of damage and harmfulness. The feeding activity of the larvae results in tree decline, visible as yellowing leaves, dieback of branches, and in severe cases, the death of the entire tree. The damage is often internal, making it difficult to detect until the tree shows visible symptoms of stress or decay.

Control measures. Integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for controlling Anaglyptus verrucosus:

• Strict sanitation by pruning and destroying infested or dead wood.
• Sealing wounds and applying protective coatings to tree trunks.
• Maintaining healthy tree growth through proper irrigation and fertilization.
• Applying insecticide treatments during the flight period of adults to prevent oviposition on the bark.