Flathead Borer Larva

Found inside the wood of dying or stressed trees, or under the bark. Occasionally encountered indoors if they emerge from firewood or lumber.

Herbivorous. These larvae feed on the cambium, sapwood, or heartwood of various tree species, creating winding tunnels (galleries).

The larvae are known for their distinctive flattened thoracic region behind the head. They spend most of their life cycle burrowing through wood before pupating and emerging as metallic wood-boring beetles.

They are major forestry and landscape pests that can kill or weaken trees. For the ecosystem, they help decompose dead wood. They are harmless to humans and do not bite or sting.