Species Anelaphus parallelus - Oak Twig Pruner

Author of the name: Newman.

10 to 15 mm

The adult is a brownish, elongate beetle, 3/8 to 3/4 inch in length. The larva is white and legless and resides within oak twigs causing the damage. The larvae feed in the branches of many hardwoods but principal damage is on oak. Infested branches are weakened by the larva so that they break off and fall to the ground. Damage is never severe enough to kill or severely damage trees. On ornamental oaks, however, the hanging dead twigs may be unsightly and the shape of the tree may be altered. (1)

Eastern US to Texas.

Hardwoods including oak, hickory, elm, walnut, and a number of fruit trees.

This species takes two years to mature. The adults of the oak twig pruner fly about the time the oak leaves are beginning to form, and deposit eggs near the tips of twigs. The young larvae mine down the stems, increasing in size, until late summer. They spend the first winter within the twig usually near a node or thickened area. They resume feeding the second season and soon begin their pruning cuts beneath the bark. Larvae cut around the branch except for the thin bark so that the branches break with the wind and fall to the ground. The larvae remain in the fallen branches for up to several months, pupating in the fall. Adults emerge the following spring. Damage is most noticeable in alternate years. (1)

(1) state.me.us - Information.