This borer attacks red and white oaks throughout the East. Trees weakened by drought, insect defoliation, or other factors are most susceptible. Larvae mine the cambium, resulting in girdled trees.
Mortality can be extensive in weakened stands.
Identifying the Insect. Larvae in galleries. Identifying the Injury. Attacks usually begin in the upper tree canopy and extend downward as the tree continues to weaken. D-shaped adult emergence holes are evidence of infestation.