Sunday, 29 June 2014

Xystrocera globosa (Monkey-pod Borer) - Sikkim Beetle


Xystrocera globosa, also known as the monkey-pod borer or "imli ko kira" in Nepali, is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was first described by the French entomologist Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1795. This beetle is widely distributed across tropical Asia and infests monkey-pod trees (Samanea saman) and other leguminous trees.

The adult beetle is around 25-30 mm long, with a shiny, metallic greenish-blue body. The larvae bore into the stems and branches of the trees, causing significant damage by disrupting the flow of nutrients and water, which leads to weakened or dead branches.

Trees infested with this borer often show symptoms like wilting leaves and dieback. Effective management involves regular monitoring and removing infected parts to prevent the spread of the larvae.



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