About 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.
Did You Know?
It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.
How to Identify Dogwood Borer
Dogwood Borer (Synanthedon scitula) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sesiidae. Adults typically measure 18–23 mm wingspan.
Dogwood Borer Habitat
Dogwood Borer is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Dogwood Borer Diet and Feeding
Dogwood Borer feeds on plant roots, typically during its larval stage. Root feeders can affect plant health and are sometimes considered agricultural pests.
Where Is Dogwood Borer Found?
Dogwood Borer can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Dogwood Borer can be found
Is Dogwood Borer Dangerous?
Dogwood Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Dogwood Borer Role in Nature
Dogwood Borer is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogwood Borer
What does Dogwood Borer look like?
The Dogwood Borer typically measures 18–23 mm wingspan.
Where is Dogwood Borer found?
The Dogwood Borer is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Dogwood Borer eat?
The Dogwood Borer feeds on plant roots.
Is Dogwood Borer dangerous to humans?
The Dogwood Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Dogwood Borer endangered?
The Dogwood Borer is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Dogwood Borer?
It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dogwood Borer (Synanthedon scitula). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dogwood-borer
MLA:
"Dogwood Borer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dogwood-borer.