The banded alder borer (Rosalia funebris) is a strikingly beautiful beetle native to the Pacific Northwest. Often found on alder, ash, and California laurel trees, these insects flaunt their vibrant white-blue and black coloration from March to August [1].
Although they may look intimidating, banded alder borers are not considered dangerous to humans. These beetles focus primarily on feeding and reproducing in hardwood trees [1].
Despite their lack of threat to people, understanding and appreciating these insects is a fascinating endeavor.
The real concern related to beetles in the United States is the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), an invasive species responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees across 30 states.
Unlike the banded alder borer, the emerald ash borer can drastically impact community landscapes and forests [2].
Banded Alder Borer Overview
Classification
The Banded Alder Borer (Rosalia funebris) belongs to the Cerambycidae family, commonly known as longhorn beetles. These beetles are characterized by their long antennae, which are often longer than their bodies.
Identification
Distinct features of Banded Alder Borers include:
- Black and white coloration
- Long antennae
- White-blue bands across their bodies
For a better understanding, let’s compare Banded Alder Borer with another longhorn beetle:
| Feature | Banded Alder Borer | Other Longhorn Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Coloration | Black and White | Various |
| Antennae Length | Long (often longer than their bodies) | Varies |
| Markings | White-blue bands | Varies |
The Banded Alder Borer’s striking appearance, featuring black and white-blue bands, sets it apart from other longhorn beetles. Remember, if you ever encounter these beetles, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid handling them without appropriate knowledge and equipment.
Life Cycle and Habitats
Eggs and Larvae
Banded alder borers (Rosalia funebris) lay eggs on various hardwood trees, such as alder, ash, willow, oak, California laurel, and maple. They particularly target trees with rot and access to water. The following are some key features of banded alder borers’ eggs and larvae:
- Eggs: Usually laid in groups on the tree’s bark
- Larvae: Bore into the tree, feeding on the inner wood and creating tunnels
Pupa and Adult
Banded alder borers have a unique pupal stage and adult phase:
- Pupa: The larva metamorphoses into the adult insect within a protective cocoon
- Adult: Banded pattern, black and white or blueish-gray, with long antennae
Comparison of life stages:
| Life Stage | Characteristics | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | Laid in groups on tree bark | 2-3 weeks |
| Larva | Bore into wood, create tunnels | 1-2 years |
| Pupa | Metamorphosis within a cocoon | 2-4 weeks |
| Adult | Black and white/blueish-gray coloring, long antennae | 1-2 months |
Banded alder borers are not known to pose any direct harm to humans. However, their wood-boring behavior can sometimes cause structural damage in the affected trees.
Identifying Potential Damage
Visible Signs of Infestation
One common visible sign of a banded alder borer infestation in trees is the presence of holes in the bark and wood. These holes are typically:
- Small in size
- Oval or round in shape
Another indication of an infestation is the presence of dead branches. These can result from the beetles’ larvae feeding on the tree’s heartwood, which can cause structural damage to the branches over time.
Impact on Trees
Banded alder borer beetles generally target alder, ash, and California laurel trees, occasionally attacking other hardwoods as well. The primary impact of these beetles on trees includes:
- Damage to the heartwood and bark
- Weakening or killing branches
However, healthy trees can usually recover from infestations, while weakened or stressed trees may be more susceptible to lasting damage.
Healthy vs. Stressed Trees:
| Features | Healthy Trees | Stressed Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | Resilient to infestations | More susceptible |
| Recovery | Can recover effectively | Slower recovery |
| Damage | Minimal lasting damage | More extensive |
In conclusion, identifying potential damage caused by banded alder borer beetles is crucial, particularly for stressed or weakened trees. Examining visible signs of infestations, such as holes and dead branches, can help detect these pests and take appropriate actions to protect the affected trees.
Relation to Human Environment
Impact on Home and Garden
The Banded Alder Borer (BAB) is a longhorned beetle native to Western North America. Alder, ash, and California laurel trees are its main hosts. Although these beetles can be visually stunning, they can also impact our homes and gardens. Some important factors to consider include:
- Pests: BAB belongs to the family Cerambycidae, similar to the Asian Longhorned Beetle, but poses a lesser threat to trees.
- Firewood: BAB infestations in firewood can be problematic, as they can enter homes and gardens in search of new host trees.
- Trees: This bug typically attacks stressed or declining trees in the U.S, Canada, and Mexico.
Preventing and Controlling Infestations
To keep BAB populations in check, there are various prevention and control measures:
- Fresh paint: Applying fresh paint to trees can deter BAB from infesting them by masking natural scents that attract the beetles.
- Vacuuming: Regularly cleaning up wood debris can help prevent the buildup of infested firewood and reduce the population in your garden.
- Healthy trees: Maintaining tree health can reduce the risk of infestation, as BAB usually targets weaker or vulnerable trees.
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of these methods:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh paint | Protects trees effectively | May require frequent reapplication |
| Vacuuming | Removes debris easily | Time-consuming |
| Healthy trees | Maintains overall tree health | May require professional assistance |
In conclusion, Banded Alder Borers can impact the human environment, particularly our homes and gardens. By understanding potential risks and applying effective prevention and control methods, we can keep these beautiful but potentially harmful beetles at bay.
Footnotes
Readers’ Mail
Over the years, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about banded alder borers. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Banded Alder Borer
A beetle like insect with really long antennae. Sat, Jul 4, 2009 at 7:20 PM I have no idea what this bug is. It was so intriguing, however, I took about 40 pictures of it! I think it’s a beetle, since it can fly and its wings are hidden under a hard shell. It had black and white stripes. Please identify this bug! Grants Pass, Oregon
Letter 2 – Banded Alder Borer
black and white bug Location: Parksville, BC. August 19, 2011 9:13 pm Parksville, BC. august 19 2011. it is about an inch and a half long thanks very much Signature: anon125
Letter 3 – Banded Alder Borer
I live in Southern California and encountered the most hideous insect I have ever seen. Here’s a description: Black with white covering entire body. Length: 2-3″ Antennae: very long 2″minimum It resembled a skeleton. Had 4-6 legs. Body seemed very hard. Please advise —Peter DiVincenzo Dear Peter, My original guess would have been a Eucalyptus Tree Borer (Phoracantha semipunctata) but the black and white coloring suggests a relative, the Banded Alder Borer (Rosalia funebris) instead. This is a very attractive beetle with black and white striped antennae which are longer than the body. It feeds on alder, ash and other hardwood trees, occasionally boring into the wood of laurel, live oak and eucalyptus as well. Adults are sometimes attracted to the fumes of fresh paint. 
Try these sites for a photo and more information. http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/97/6.19.97/ beetle.html http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/bandedalderborer.html
Letter 4 – another Banded Alder Borer
Bug I.D.Bugman,
Greetings. Eye-balled this 1.75" long critter on the banks of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island in the north Puget Sound of western Washington. Been looking all over the Internet, as probably most of your other correspondents have, to no avail. Your wisdom on the identity of this beautiful beetle would be graciously accepted and most appreciated.
Cheers,
NwShetz
Hi NwShetz,
This is our second Banded Alder Borer photo today.
Letter 5 – Another Banded Alder Borer
Subject: what’s this insect? Location: downtown Chico, CA July 13, 2012 1:09 pm I took this photo outside of the B of A downtown in Chico, CA yesterday. 7-12-12. It seemed out of place, had mouth Pincers. It was very hot on the concrete…stayed to the shade. Started to mobilize wings once, but didn’t fly. Looks like a beautiful piece of art…my husband called it the ”tiger beetle”. Is it poisonous/bad for the environment here? What is it’s normal environment? Signature: Elizabeth Devereaux
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