Red drill butterfly

Cossus cossus

Affect:
Takes three to four years to transform into a chrysalis. It feeds preferentially on the wood and branches of trees of the following genera: Alnus, Betula, Castanea, Citrus, Cydonia, Fagus, Fraxinus, Juglans, Malus, Olea, Populus, Prunus, Pyrus, Quercus, Salix, Sorbus, Ulmus and Vitis.

Description:
The adult has a thick body with a wingspan of 68-96 mm. It is the largest species of the family Cossidae. The wings are brown or grayish tones with dark striations imitating the bark of some trees. This fact helps their mimicry in their natural habitats. The adult insect flies between April and August depending on latitude. The imago is unable to feed, so it can only live for a few days.

Damage:
Galleries up to 15 mm in diameter in the trunk (sometimes in branches) that destroy the vascular system. Generalized weakening of the tree, which may cause death. Sawdust and/or droppings at the base of the trunk. Presence of caterpillars and galleries when lifting the bark. Damage is most likely to be found in the neck of the trunk. Attacks are usually on stands within the plot.