Flat Oak Borer vs Elderberry Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Flat Oak Borer | Elderberry Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Smodicum cucujiforme | Desmocerus palliatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cerambycidae | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 18-26 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Flat Oak Borer
An unusually flat, reddish-brown cerambycid that breeds under the bark of dead oaks in North America. Its flattened body allows it to navigate the tight spaces between bark and sapwood. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Did You Know?
Its body is so flat that it was originally described as a member of Cucujidae, the flat bark beetle family.
Elderberry Borer
A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.
Did You Know?
Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.