Pest profile

Black Twig Borer

Xylosandrus compactus · Coleoptera: Curculionidae[2]

The black twig borer is a beetle under 2 mm long that infests small twigs of more than 200 plant species.[1]

Black twig borer, a tiny stout dark brown beetle, on a white surface
Black twig borer, a tiny stout dark brown beetle, on a white surface. (c) aispinsects, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Females are 1.4 to 1.9 mm long, stout, cylindrical, brown to black; males are smaller.[1]
  • It infests twigs less than 3/4 inch in diameter.[1]

Look-alikes

Look-alikeHow to tell them apart
Granulate ambrosia beetleA related Xylosandrus that attacks larger branches and stems, 3/4 to 3 inches across.[1]

Where it lives

First collected in the U.S. at Fort Lauderdale in 1941, it now ranges along the Southeastern Coastal Plain.[1]

US map: public records from 7 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Over 224 plant species in 62 families are susceptible.[1]

Damage and signs

  • It infests small twigs of hosts such as maples, pecan and beautyberry.[1]

Health risk

It attacks plants; UF/IFAS mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Promote tree vigor to help recovery.[1]

Traps and physical control

Prune and destroy infested twigs.[1]

Common questions

Why are twig tips dying on my shrubs?
In the Southeast, black twig borers infesting small twigs are one possible cause; prune and inspect them.[1]
How do I manage it?
Prune and destroy infested twigs and keep plants healthy.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Black Twig Borer, Xylosandrus compactus (EENY-311).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN577 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Xylosandrus compactus taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/450007 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.