Flatheaded Wood Borer (Buprestid Larva)

Natural Habitat

Typically found inside the trunks, branches, or roots of weakened, dying, or recently felled trees and wooden structures.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; larvae feed on the cambium and xylem (inner bark and wood) of host trees, creating winding galleries.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are wood-borers that remain hidden inside wood for 1 to 3 years. They are known for their distinctively widened thoracic segment just behind the head, giving them a hammer-headed appearance.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can be significant pests to timber, orchards, and ornamental trees, potentially killing the host. Benefits: In natural forest ecosystems, they help break down dead wood, contributing to nutrient cycling.

Identified on: 5/30/2026