Hairy longhorn beetle

Systematic position. The Hairy longhorn beetle Pedostrangalia pubescens is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. It is a wood-boring insect distributed throughout various parts of Europe. While the adult beetles are often seen on flowers, their larval stage is strictly tied to woody host plants.

Host crops. This species is a polyphagous pest affecting various deciduous trees. In agricultural settings, it poses a threat to pome and stone fruit trees, including apple, pear, and plum. It is also frequently found on forest trees such as oak, beech, and hornbeam, which can serve as reservoirs for infestation in nearby orchards.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of Pedostrangalia pubescens typically spans two to three years. Adult beetles emerge in late spring and summer. After mating, females deposit eggs into bark crevices or pruning wounds. The larvae penetrate the wood upon hatching, creating tunnels within the sapwood and heartwood where they feed and develop until pupation.

Damage and economic impact. The damage is caused by the larval gallery formation within the tree trunk and branches. This tunneling disrupts nutrient and water transport, leading to tree vigor decline, wilting, and reduced fruit yield. Severe infestations can eventually kill branches or the entire tree, especially in drought-stressed or otherwise unhealthy specimens.

Control measures. Managing this pest relies on preventive measures and sanitation to limit the population density:

• removal and destruction of dead or heavily infested wood during the dormant season;
• maintaining tree health through proper irrigation and fertilization;
• sealing trunk injuries to prevent female oviposition;
• targeted insecticide applications during the adult emergence phase to prevent initial egg laying.