The flathead woodborrer (Capnodis tenebrionis and Capnodis carbonaria) also known as the Capnodis beetle is shiny grey or black colored with six patches. The eggs are white while the larvae are white with a rounded brown dorsal plate. The beetle female lay their eggs in small clusters at or close to the base of the tree stem, on dry soil. The newly emerged larvae locate and penetrate the roots , feeding in the cortex. The favored pupation site is at the base of the stem. The beetle is a pest of stone fruit trees (almond, peaches, apricots, cherry, nectarines, plums…etc.) as well as subtropical fruit trees such as mango and avocado.
Damage
The adult flathead woodborer feed on the cortex of twigs and young branches. The larvae penetrate the roots and feed in the cortex, eating their way through the stem, forming long galleries (which are initially small but become larger as the larva grows) and leave behind them compressed frass. One larva can cause the death of a young tree while multiple larvae can cause the death of a strong tree. Their favored pupation site is at the base of the stem.
There are specific natural enemies for different species of beetles.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.