Ponderous Borer vs Common Pine Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ponderous Borer Common Pine Sawfly
Scientific Name Trichocnemis spiculatus Diprion pini
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cerambycidae Diprionidae
Size 40-60 mm 7-10 mm (adult)
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western United States, British Columbia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Ponderous Borer

One of the largest cerambycids in North America, this prionine breeds in the roots and lower trunks of dead ponderosa pines. Adults are dark brown with a somewhat rough body surface. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

Larval development can take up to six years in dry dead wood, one of the longest development times for any beetle.

Common Pine Sawfly

One of the most important pine defoliators in European forestry. Outbreaks cause growth losses and predispose trees to bark beetle attack.

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Did You Know?

Larvae sequester pine resin and can squirt it at predators when threatened.