Green-winged longhorn beetle

Neoplocaederus viridipennis is a species of longhorn beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae and the subfamily Cerambycinae. These beetles are recognized as significant pests of various woody plants, capable of causing substantial damage in both natural forests and commercial orchard plantations, particularly in warm climatic zones.

The pest primarily targets a variety of fruit and ornamental trees. Its host range includes several species within the Rosaceae family and other broadleaf trees. Because the larvae spend their entire developmental phase feeding inside the wood, the infestation often remains undetected until significant structural damage to the tree has already occurred.

The biology of this species follows the typical pattern of large longhorn beetles. Females deposit eggs in bark crevices or existing mechanical wounds on the tree trunk. Upon hatching, the larvae bore into the phloem and cambium layers before migrating deeper into the sapwood and heartwood. The life cycle can span from one to several years, depending on environmental temperatures and the host tree's overall vigor.

Damage is characterized by the extensive, winding galleries carved out by the larvae, which are typically packed with frass (wood dust). This internal feeding disrupts the tree's vascular system, leading to branch dieback, crown thinning, and eventually the death of the entire tree. Severely infested trees are also highly susceptible to opportunistic pathogens and secondary pest outbreaks.

Effective management strategies require a multifaceted approach focused on prevention and early intervention. Key control measures include:

• Routine visual inspections of trunks for entry holes and frass accumulation.
• Prompt removal and destruction (burning or chipping) of infested timber to limit the spread of adult beetles.
• Application of systemic insecticides during the peak flight season of adult beetles.
• Maintenance of optimal tree health through proper irrigation and fertilization to enhance natural resistance.