bark to blister and peel. The lesser peachtree borer, S. pictipes (Grote & Robin- 
son), breeds in peach, American plum, and in fungus growths on American plum. It 
is a major pest of peach. S$. viburni Engelhardt larvae bore under the bark of 
viburnum, preferably in injured areas or galls. S. acerrubri Engelhardt is a bark 
borer in maple, preferably in branches and often in wounds and scars caused by 
other insects. S. sapygaeformis (Walker) has been recorded infesting woody galls in 
oaks in Florida. S. castaneae (Busck) bores in the trunks of American chestnut, 
preferably in bruised areas. S. rubrofascia (Henry Edwards) larvae excavate long, 
sinuous tunnels in the bark of tupelo from Maryland to Florida. Injuries and healing 
wounds on well-matured trees are preferred. S. sigmoidea (Beutenmiuller) attacks 
low-growing willows in bays, along streams, and in depressions in sand dunes of 
coastal and lake regions. Infestations are often heavy. S. proxima (Henry Edwards) 
larvae bore in the branches and exposed roots of low-growing willows in moist or 
shady locations. S$. bolteri (Henry Edwards) also attacks low-growing willows. 
The persimmon borer, Sannina uroceriformis Walker, occurs from southern 
Maryland to Kansas, Texas, and the Gulf Coast and feeds as a larva in the solid 
wood of the base and taproots of persimmon. The adult is mostly bluish black and 
has a wingspread of 28 to 32 mm. Full-grown larvae are up to 30 mm long. Trees 
growing in cutover areas and in hedgerows are particularly subject to infestation. 
Young trees in nurseries are also damaged seriously at times. The life cycle requires 
2 or 3 years. 
The lilac borer, Podosesia syringae (Harris) (fig. 46), occurs from Texas and 
Saskatchewan east throughout the United States and southern Canada. It attacks 
lilac, ash, privet, and other trees and shrubs of Oleaceae. The adult has a wing- 
spread of 26 to 28 mm. The species is polymorphic with several distinct adult 
morphs varying from dark brown sometimes with chestnut-red markings to light 
brown and yellow to distinct yellow banding of the abdomen (345, 1006). The 
larvae bore into trunks and branches, excavating galleries up to 15 cm long and 
causing nursery cull, decline and mortality in shelterbelts, and degrade in timber 
stands. Winter is spent in the larval stage, and there is one generation per year. 
Woodpeckers and parasites are the major natural controls. Cultural practices that 
avoid bark wounds and maintain good tree vigor help to minimize losses. Chemical 
control is also effective. 
a 
is 7 Mt £% : 
Courtesy D. G. Nielson, Ohio State Univ. 
Figure 46.—Adult of the lilac borer, Podosesia syringae. 
Be a CR 
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