Six-spotted longhorn beetle

The six-spotted longhorn beetle (Anoplodera sexguttata) is an insect belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. This species is a typical wood-boring insect whose life cycle is intrinsically linked to woody plants.

The pest most often attacks broad-leaved trees, including oak, beech, hornbeam, linden, and hazel. In orchards and forest areas, the larvae prefer weakened, dying, or freshly felled trees, making them a significant factor in wood decomposition within forest ecosystems.

The biology of this species involves the development of larvae inside the wood. Adult beetles are active in spring and early summer, when mating and egg-laying occur in bark crevices. The larvae bore deep into the trunk, creating winding galleries that gradually fill with frass, which disrupts the normal flow of nutrients and water within the tree.

The damage is characterized by a reduction in the tree's vitality and structural integrity. In cases of mass infestation, the pest can significantly accelerate the decline of trees that are already stressed by drought, diseases, or other environmental factors.

Management strategies include the following measures:

• Sanitary logging to remove infested or dead wood.
• Proper disposal of felled timber to prevent breeding.
• Maintaining tree health through proper fertilization and watering.
• Application of insecticides during peak flight periods in ornamental gardens.