What causes the ground to be littered with pencil-size leafy branches when there has been no storm? Could it be squirrels? No, it is Twig Girdling Beetles (Oncideres cingulata), members of the longhorn beetle family (Cerambycidae). The 1/2 – 3/4″ adults (with antennae to match) emerge in late summer to mate. The females begin their reproductive jobs by using their chewing mouthparts to carve a deep groove encircling (girdling) 1/4 – 3/8” twigs. For more on which trees are affected and how to prevent damage to your small trees; CLICK HERE
The Mysterious Twig Girdling Beetle
