Oak Pinhole Borer

This fallen mature oak trunk shows the tell tale signs of Oak Pinhole Borer beetle (Platypus cylindrus) infestation, the entire length of this substantial trunk is effected, covered in fine sawdust, as the the floor below. They clearly attack in numbers; I say attack although that's not entirely fair, the Oak Pinhole Borer goes for dead wood or declining trees and isn't the cause of a trees downfall. Called 'Oak' Pinhole Borer this hungry bug will be just as happy with other deciduous trees such as Beech or Sweet Chestnut too. Apparently they were listed as rare by the mid 1980's although the Great Storm of 87' saw their fortunes change with an abundance of dead wood suddenly becoming available.