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IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits

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Shothole borer - Scolytus rugulosus (Muller)
IPM scouting in stone fruits > borers > shothole borer
Generally a pest of dying wood, such as tree prunings or trees dying from other causes, shothole borer (SHB) can sometimes attack healthy trees when SHB populations are high and alternative food sources are unavailable. Prolonged exposure to SHB feeding can eventually kill formerly healthy trees. In early June, adult females chew about a 1mm round hole into the tree trunk, branches, or twigs, excavate a brood chamber, and deposit eggs that hatch in 3-4 days. The larvae feed between the bark and sapwood.

Monitoring: Examine unhealthy trees for entrance and exit holes. Removing bark around entrance holes should expose brood chambers.

Control: Control of SHB is largely through cultural practices. Healthy, vigorous trees resist SHB attack. Also, remove dead wood and unhealthy trees from the orchard and surrounding habitat.
Shothole borer adult Shothole borer larva
The adult beetle is about 2.5 mm long, black with red wingtips, antennae, and legs, and blunt on both ends. The wing covers are grooved with rows of shallow punctures. Larva is 3.5-4 mm long, legless and white, with a slight enlargement of the body just behind the head.
Additional information
This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Stone Fruits by David Epstein, Larry J. Gut, Alan L. Jones and Kimberly Maxson-Stein. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2840).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 7/24/07