Red-headed ash borers typically reach around inch long. They have a reddish brown coloration with four bands of contrasting yellow hair .They have long antennae which are thickened towards the tips, and have the rear and middle pairs of legs elongated. This beetle was identified by experts at Bugguide.net
Adults emerge from infested trees in early spring, typically ash, hickory and oak, but also they use other hardwoods and sometimes shrubs and woody vines. The larvae feed on the sapwood of the dead tree, with several generations possible over the summer before overwintering again, probably in the pupal stage.We expect this beetle to be common at Fontenelle Forest.
The reddish-brown coloration with four bands of contrasting yellow hair and the general body shape mimics wasps, which is a common survival tactic among long horned beetles. These insects are commonly brought into homes with firewood and may emerge, but do no physical damage to the home. This species has been known to infest weak or newly planted living trees and is a pest of nursery stock in some areas. The red-headed ash borer is native, in contrast to the emerald ash borer. Ash trees can deal with their infestation unlike the emerald borer which is very damaging to ash trees.
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