Elm buprestid beetle

The elm buprestid beetle (Latin Anthaxia manca) is a coleopteran insect belonging to the family Buprestidae, often referred to as metallic wood-boring beetles. This species poses a significant threat to forest and ornamental plantings, as its biological activity directly leads to the weakening and eventual mortality of trees.

The primary hosts for this pest are trees of the genus Ulmus (elms), though it may occasionally affect other deciduous species. The beetles preferentially infest trees that are already stressed due to drought, fungal diseases, or mechanical damage, making proper tree vigor management a vital defense strategy.

The life cycle of the beetle is synchronized with the phenology of the host tree. Adult beetles are active during the spring and summer months, when they lay eggs into the bark crevices. Upon hatching, the larvae tunnel beneath the bark, feeding on the phloem and cambium layer, which disrupts the tree's vital nutrient transport systems.

The characteristic damage caused by Anthaxia manca involves winding, flat galleries under the bark and distinct, D-shaped or flattened oval exit holes on the wood surface. Heavy infestations lead to extensive dieback of branches and stems, eventually resulting in tree death if left unchecked over several seasons.

Effective control measures require an integrated approach focused on forest hygiene and tree health. Recommended strategies include:

• Conducting sanitary thinning and removing infested trees before the emergence of the next generation of beetles.
• Applying insecticides during the peak flight period of adult beetles for localized population suppression.
• Maintaining tree vitality through consistent irrigation and soil management to prevent susceptibility.
• Proper removal and disposal of wood debris where the insects may continue their development.