Treptoplatypus oxyurus

Description

Treptoplatypus oxyurus is a rare species, in Central Europe it is primarily located in Slovakia and Germany. While it has been identified in Croatia, it remains absent in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and Macedonia, all regions where silver fir trees naturally thrive. This species exclusively interacts with silver fir trees (Abies alba, Abies cephalonica) in terms of its biology. It shows a preference for mature, untouched forest areas that resemble rainforests in structure. Adul Treptoplatypus oxyurus beetles emerge during the summer months, typically in July and August. They are known to be monogamous. Following successful mating, Treptoplatypus oxyurus burrows into the trunk of fir trees. Similar to other saproxylic beetles, they target trees that are already weakened due to physiological factors, dead and decaying trees, those under stress, and freshly fallen or felled trees. While this species is rare, it can potentially cause damage to large logs under specific conditions, but does not pose a threat to healthy, living trees.

Symptom

Signs of T. oxyurus infestation become evident on fir tree bark and the surrounding soil as distinctive white, thread-like sawdust. These sawdust characteristics set it apart from other beetle species like ambrosia beetles, bark beetles, longhorn beetles, and weevils. These symptoms are most prominent from August through October when the beetles are actively drilling into the trunk and establishing their gallery system.

Tree Species: Fir

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes