Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I was hoping that you could help me to identify a kind of worm that I have found burrowing in tree. The worm is about 2 inches long, and white. A friend of mine was up in the tree knocking out a dead branch, and one of the worms fell to the ground, however I only had a chance to take a quick look at it. He said that there was a large amount of these worms clustered in the tree where removed the branch. Could you help me identify this worm, and let me know if it will eat any wood other than tree wood, such as house or dead wood? I have been doing research on my own, but haven't had any luck. Thank you in advance!

- N.S.

ANSWER: NS,

Most wood boring beetles infest recently dead or weakened trees. Healthy trees are able to resist the attack of these insects. Also, most of these wood borers can't attack wood once it is turned into lumber. The powderpost beetles (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/powderpost_beetles.html for info) do attack finished lumber but these are very small beetles. The one you found was possibly a cerambycid beetle but I'd need a photo to be certain. Post a follow up if you have a question.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com (the 'Bugs website)



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you! But what I saw was a worm, not a beetle.

Answer
The larvae (young) of some beetles look like "worms" (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/log_home.html for a picture of one species). If what you saw was more like an earthworm (long, slender, no distinct head), try to post a picture if you find more.

Jack DeAngelis