Dogwood Borer vs Hairy Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dogwood Borer Hairy Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Synanthedon scitula Anoplognathus hirsutus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Sesiidae Scarabaeidae
Size 18–23 mm wingspan 18-25 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dogwood Borer

A clearwing moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of dogwood, apple, and other trees. It is a significant pest of apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks.

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Did You Know?

It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.

Hairy Christmas Beetle

A densely hairy golden-brown Christmas beetle found in southeastern Australia. The fine hairs covering its body distinguish it from other Anoplognathus species.

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Did You Know?

The dense body hair is thought to help regulate temperature during cool summer evenings.