Great capricorn beetle

Systematic position. The great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. It is one of the largest beetles in Europe and is recognized as a significant wood-boring pest that primarily targets large, mature hardwood trees in forests and urban landscapes.

Host plants. The primary host for this species is the oak, but it also infests other hardwood trees, including elm, beech, hornbeam, walnut, and sometimes fruit trees. It prefers trees that are already aged or showing signs of stress, making it a critical threat to heritage trees and old-growth forest sections.

Biology and lifecycle. The lifecycle of this insect is quite long, typically spanning three to five years. Adult beetles are active during the summer, during which they mate and lay eggs in the bark crevices. Once hatched, the larvae bore into the sapwood and heartwood of the tree, feeding on the wood and creating elaborate galleries. After completing their development, they pupate within the tree and eventually emerge as adults.

Character of damage and harmfulness. The primary destruction is caused by the larvae, which carve deep, wide tunnels through the trunk. This internal mechanical damage disrupts the tree's vascular system, hindering the transport of water and nutrients. As a result, infested trees lose structural integrity, show signs of canopy dieback, and may eventually die or succumb to windthrow.

Control measures. Controlling the great capricorn beetle is challenging due to its life hidden inside the wood. Recommended protection strategies include:

• Sanitary logging and removal of heavily infested trees to reduce the population density in the area.
• Maintaining tree health and covering mechanical bark injuries to discourage oviposition by females.
• Promoting the presence of natural predators, such as woodpeckers, which effectively hunt for larvae within the wood.
• Using pheromone-based monitoring traps to track beetle activity and timing for targeted control measures.