Laurel, Portuguese (Prunus)-Peachtree borer

Synanthedon exitiosa

Pest description and damage Peach tree borer is native to North America and common in the Pacific Northwest. The adult is a metallic blue-black, clearwing moth. The male moth with a 1-inch wingspan may have bands of light-yellow scale on the abdomen, which makes it resemble a wasp. The female has a 1.25-inch wingspan and an orange band around the abdomen. Full-grown larvae are 1 inch in length and whitish with a brown head. The larvae burrow into the bark of the root crown and feed on the cambium. Feeding is restricted to an area a few inches above and below the soil line. Peachtree borer feeding damage can girdle and kill young trees. Feeding damage rarely girdles older trees but does reduce vigor and makes these trees vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

For biology, life history, monitoring and management

See:

Management-chemical control

See Table 4 in: