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Oberea oculata

Willow borer Oberea oculata

Description

Oberea oculata is a widely distributed Palaearctic beetle species. This species is commonly found in riparian stands, forest edges, road edges, and ruderal plant communities, with a particular preference for goat willow (Salix caprea) in Europe, although it can be found on various broad-leaved willows.The adult beetles are active from June to August, during which time they can be found on leaves and twigs, feeding on leaf tissue and young bark. Females lay their eggs on live twigs or thin trunks, where the larvae later create longitudinal galleries under the bark, eventually boring into the pith wood. This tunneling can cause significant damage to the host trees, evidenced by the presence of exit holes left by emerging adults. The larval development typically spans two years, although the exact duration can vary depending on local environmental conditions.

Symptom

Dying branches, eating galleries under the bark and in the wood, exit holes.

Tree Species: Willow

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 2 observations of the species in the system

Oberea oculataWillow borer Oberea oculata
Milan T.
Number of votes: 0
Published: 9.3.2025

Oberea oculataWillow borer Oberea oculata
majo
Number of votes: 0
Published: 19.7.2024