Oak longhorn beetle

Systematic position: The oak longhorn beetle (Pyrrhidium sanguineum) is a member of the Cerambycidae family within the order Coleoptera. It is a well-known wood-boring insect frequently associated with decaying or stressed deciduous timber across Europe and parts of Asia.

Host plants: The primary host for this species is the oak tree (Quercus). However, it is occasionally observed in other deciduous trees, including beech (Fagus) and hornbeam (Carpinus). It prefers hosts that are physiologically stressed or recently dead, as they provide ideal conditions for larval development.

Biology and life cycle: Adult beetles emerge in spring, typically between April and May. Females lay their eggs in the crevices of the bark. Upon hatching, larvae bore through the bark and begin feeding on the inner layers of the wood, creating irregular galleries. The life cycle usually spans one year, with pupation occurring in a chamber within the sapwood during the following spring.

Damage and economic impact: The damage is caused by the larvae, which destroy the cambium layer and penetrate the sapwood. This disruption of the nutrient transport system leads to branch dieback and, in severe cases, the death of the tree. Furthermore, the tunnels created by the larvae provide entry points for secondary pathogens and wood-rotting fungi.

Protection measures: Managing the oak longhorn beetle focuses on cultural practices that minimize the beetle's habitat. Key measures include:

• prompt removal of infested, dying, or dead trees from the forest stand;
• proper disposal of wood debris and logging residues;
• maintaining high tree vitality through appropriate thinning and forest management;
• monitoring for beetle activity in high-value oak plantations during the spring season.