In the first week of February a client stepped into the office with some black and yellow adult insects which were found in a wood pile. They seemed alive and well despite the time of year. At first I was little taken aback because I am not used to seeing many adult insects in the middle of winter unless it’s a stink bug or other insect that can be found in a warm home or building. My first ID on the insect was a black locust borer and further research also indicated it may have been a painted hickory borer, which is very similar. The black locust borer emerges in late summer and the painted hickory borer emerges in spring. The painted hickory borer also is a common inhabitant of wood piles and shows up on firewood. Both are common. Where is this leading? Spring isn’t too far away and in spring 2016 we can expect to see another insect: the emergence of a brood of 17 year cicadas in our area. Consider yourself warned. Things could get noisy and messy and you might see some tree damage. And when you are in the zone on your lawn tractor focusing on that nice perfect cut, a large insect might buzz over your back shoulder and make you jump. Speaking of lawns: are there a few too many mole hills around? Perhaps the moles are feasting on an abundance of cicada larvae.
Update April 11, 2016: an excellent article written by Joe Bogg is available here: http://bygl.osu.edu/bygl_archive2015/content/firewood-beetle-flare-0
