Agrilus sinuatus

Sinuate pear tree borer

Agrilus sinuatus, the sinuate pear tree borer, is a beetle from the family Buprestidae, approximately 1 cm in size. The adults live from the end of May until the end of July. Females lay 30–40 eggs on the sunny side of young tree trunks or thicker branches, preferring branches or trunks around 5 cm in diameter. Under the bark, larvae create characteristic, strongly wavy, and fairly regular tunnels. The larva pupates in a pupal chamber, which is usually about 2-3 cm below the wood surface. The frass in the gallery system is very fine, and the exit holes are typically "D" shaped.

This species was mentioned in the 19th century, but just as an integral part of the ecosystems of deciduous, xerophilous forests. In the 20th century, it became increasingly known for the damage it causes, especially to ornamental and fruit trees. The population increase is attributed to climate change and the lengthening periods of heat and drought, which favor this thermophilic species. It causes damage to pears (Pyrus pyraster, P. communis), quince (Cydonia oblonga), apple (Malus spp.), plum (Prunus spp.), medlar (Mespilus germanica) etc.

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Larvae create typically downward-running sinuous galleries just below the bark. The bark of attacked trees becomes necrotic and dies off, creating cracks that provide entry points for various secondary pathogens. Attacked trees can die back.

Tree Species: Cherry, Quince, Hawthorn, Pear, Rowan, Whitebeam, Medlar, Plum

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Pest group: Insect

Affected part of wood: Heartwood, Sapwood

Depth of damages: Bark, Under bark only, Up to 0,5 cm depth, Up to 2 cm depth, Up to 5 cm depth

The extent of damage: Whole trunk

Prevalence in Europe: Very rare

Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood)