Synanthedon castaneae
(Busck, 1913)
Chestnut Borer
Sort #: 1265 | P3 #: 640119 | MPG #: 2577
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Larval feeding type: Bores in trunks with no visible signs externally until the moth emerges, leaving the pupal exuvia at the exit hole
Larval substrate: Castanea dentata* (American Chestnut)
Phenology: Adult: 6/07 to 6/13 (2 records)
Comment: It can be found in most places in SE Mass where the foodplant grows, mainly on thicker trunks and especially those with cracks caused by chestnut blight. It is probably not restricted to this area, but it has not yet been looked for elsewhere.
Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2020
Last Year Reported: 2020
Distribution by County: Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth
Number of Records: 9
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Male found flying around chestnut (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Male found flying around chestnut (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Female found on a chestnut trunk (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Female found on a chestnut trunk (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Male found flying around chestnut (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Female found on a chestnut trunk (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Chestnut trunk used by the Chestnut Borer (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Pupal exuvia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Pupal exuvia (Photo: ©S. Whitebread)