Ivory-marked Borer

Natural Habitat

Found in deciduous forests throughout eastern North America; also frequently found inside homes emerging from old hardwood furniture or flooring.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae bore into and feed on the heartwood of dead or decaying deciduous trees like oak, hickory, and maple. Adults may feed on sap.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active and attracted to lights. They are famous for being long-lived; larvae can remain dormant in finished wood for 10-40 years before emerging as adults.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no risk to humans or pets. While they assist in the decomposition of dead wood in nature, they can be minor household pests if adults emerge from structural wood or antique furniture.

Identified on: 6/25/2026