Dogwood Twig Borer

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, parks, and gardens, especially where dogwood and other hardwood trees are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae bore into and feed on the pith of small stems and twigs of trees like dogwood, elm, and fruit trees. Adults feed on leaf veins and tender bark.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active from late spring to mid-summer. Females girdle twigs and deposit eggs; the hatching larvae burrow into the stem, often causing terminal wilting or 'flagging'.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a minor garden and nursery pest as their boring activity can cause twig dieback in ornamental trees. They benefit the ecosystem by aiding in the natural pruning of trees and as a food source for birds.

Identified on: 4/5/2026