Xiphydria camelus
Woodwasp Xiphydria camelus
Xiphydria camelus is a pest of alder trees. This species belongs to the Xiphydriidae family of wood-boring insects. The adults are wasp-like insect, measuring around 10 to 20 mm in length. They have a black body with yellow markings. The females have an ovipositor used to lay eggs within the wood of weakened or dying alder trees. The larvae feed in the wood, in the galleries tightly filled with wood debris. They causing damage and weakening the tree's structure. Infestations of Xiphydria camelus can contribute to the decline and death of alder trees, making it an important pest to monitor and control in affected areas. The infested wood is rendered worthless and can only be used as fuel.
Tree decline or only parts of the crowns. Galleries in wood filled with sawdust.
Tree Species: Alder
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch
Pest significance: Very harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: No
Present in EU: Yes
Pest group: Insect
Affected part of wood: Bark, Heartwood, Sapwood, Underbark area
Depth of damages: Bark, More than 5 cm depth, 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: Common
Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood), Furniture, Lumber, boards and prisms, Wooden house constructions
Roundwood size: Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm, Diameter up to 10 cm
Wood discoloration: Yes
Exit holes: Round
Pest subcategory: Wood-boring insect
Similar pests
Xiphydria prolongata
Urocerus gigas
