Brown-legged longhorn beetle

The brown-legged longhorn beetle (latin: Ropalopus femoratus) is a coleopteran insect belonging to the Cerambycidae family. This species is commonly found in temperate forest zones and is known for its role in the degradation of woody plant tissues in various broad-leaved species.

This pest mainly targets deciduous trees. Its host plants include species like oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), and hornbeam (Carpinus), as well as fruit trees such as cherry (Prunus cerasus) and sweet cherry, which can suffer significantly when environmental conditions favor the beetle's proliferation.

The life cycle follows a complete metamorphosis pattern. During the summer months, adult beetles emerge to mate. Females typically oviposit in the bark crevices of weakened or stressed trees. The larvae that emerge tunnel into the sapwood and inner bark, feeding and creating intricate galleries that disrupt the vascular system of the host tree.

The damage caused by Ropalopus femoratus is categorized as mechanical and physiological. By feeding on the cambium, larvae effectively "girdle" the branches or the main trunk, leading to nutrient deprivation, branch dieback, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections by fungi or other wood-rotting organisms.

Effective management and protection strategies include:

• Implementation of strict phytosanitary measures, such as the removal and destruction of infested wood.
• Targeted chemical applications during the peak flight period to reduce the adult population.
• Maintaining optimal tree vigor through appropriate fertilization and irrigation to improve natural resistance.
• Regular inspections of tree trunks and branches for early signs of boreholes or frass.