Twig Girdlers: Mysterious Tree Limb Damage in Arkansas
A curious phenomenon has been occurring in many White County yards: Many tree limbs from hardwood trees appear to have been cleanly cut and have fallen to the ground. Believe it or not, this damage is caused by an insect — not a miniature beaver, not squirrels, and not long-legged rabbits.
What Are Twig Girdlers?
Twig girdlers (Oncideres cingulata) are long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) found throughout most of Arkansas. Their characteristic damage to tree limbs often sparks concern or curiosity among homeowners. The damage is most noticeable in the fall when leaves prematurely turn brown, die, and the girdled limbs drop to the ground beneath infested trees. Small branches accumulating on the ground, along with clean-cut twigs and, in some cases, dangling (flagged) branch tips, indicate the presence of these beetle pests.
Hosts
Twig girdlers attack a variety of shade, nut, and fruit trees. Common hosts include:
- Persimmon
- Pecan
- Elm
- Hickory
- Oak
- Honey locust
- Hackberry
- Poplar
- Linden
- Redbud
- Basswood
- Dogwood
- Various fruit trees
Life Cycle and Biology
The adult beetle is about three-fourths of an inch long, stout, and grayish-brown, with a lighter-colored band across its elytra (wing covers). It has antennae as long as its body.
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Emergence: Adult beetles begin emerging in mid-August and continue through early October.
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Egg Laying: The female chews a V-shaped groove around a small twig, girdling it. She then deposits an egg beneath the bark in the severed portion. The larva cannot develop in healthy sapwood, so the girdled portion dies quickly and usually falls to the ground due to wind or its own weight.
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Larval Development: After hatching, the larva bores into the dead twig to feed. It overwinters in the fallen twig and resumes feeding in the spring, consuming most of the wood.
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Pupation: As the larva grows, it tunnels further into the twig, filling it with wood shavings and waste. Pupation occurs in a cavity within the twig, with adults emerging in late summer and early fall. Twig girdlers produce one generation per year.
Control and Management
For Homeowners:
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Collect and destroy infested twigs and branches found on the ground, beginning in September or no later than May.
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If practical, prune infested twigs still attached to the tree.
For Commercial Pecan Growers:
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Monitor for severed twigs starting in August.
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Apply the insecticide carbaryl if significant damage is observed. In severe cases, applications may need to be repeated two to three times at two-week intervals.
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Always follow label rates and directions when applying insecticides.
By taking proactive measures, homeowners and orchard managers can minimize the damage caused by twig girdlers and maintain healthy trees in their landscapes.
For additional information, contact your county office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service or visit the website at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/ .
By Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu