About Western Cedar Borer
A large, dark metallic jewel beetle that develops in western red cedar. Larvae create distinctive oval exit holes in timber.
Did You Know?
Their development can take over a decade in dry seasoned wood, making them among the slowest-developing beetles.
How to Identify Western Cedar Borer
Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Buprestidae. Adults typically measure 15-25 mm.
Western Cedar Borer Habitat
Western Cedar Borer is found in forests habitats, particularly across Western North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Western Cedar Borer Diet and Feeding
Western Cedar Borer feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Western Cedar Borer Found?
Western Cedar Borer can be found in Western North America, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Western Cedar Borer can be found
Is Western Cedar Borer Dangerous?
Western Cedar 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.
Western Cedar Borer Role in Nature
Western Cedar 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 Western Cedar Borer
What does Western Cedar Borer look like?
The Western Cedar Borer typically measures 15-25 mm.
Where is Western Cedar Borer found?
The Western Cedar Borer is found in Western North America and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Western Cedar Borer eat?
The Western Cedar Borer feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Western Cedar Borer dangerous to humans?
The Western Cedar Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Western Cedar Borer?
Their development can take over a decade in dry seasoned wood, making them among the slowest-developing beetles.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Western Cedar Borer (Trachykele blondeli). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/western-cedar-borer
MLA:
"Western Cedar Borer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/western-cedar-borer.