Red-Headed Ash Borer

Red-Headed Ash Borer

Neoclytus acuminatus

Daily sighting probability <5% · Rare
at San Francisco

In 3 days ~10%

5 Verified sightings at San Francisco
May Best month

About the Red-Headed Ash Borer

Neoclytus acuminatus, the red-headed ash borer, is a common North American species in the longhorn beetle family (Cerambycidae). Red-headed ash borers typically reach 12–16 mm (0.47–0.63 in) adult length, have long antennae which are thickened towards the tips, and have the rear and middle pairs of legs elongated. The reddish-brown coloration with four bands of contrasting yellow stripes and the general body shape mimics wasps, which is a common survival tactic among cerambycids.

Adults emerge from infested trees in early spring, typically ash, hickory and oak, but also use other hardwoods and sometimes shrubs and woody vines. The larvae feed on the sapwood of dead trees, with several generations possible over the summer before overwintering again, probably in the pupal stage.

The red-headed ash borer usually develops in recently dead or dying hardwood trees, so the most common impact on humans is damage to felled trees intended for hardwood lumber or firewood. These insects are commonly brought into homes with firewood and may emerge, but do no physical damage to the home. This species has been known to infest weak or newly planted living... Wikipedia →

Global Distribution

Parks Where Found

# Park Country Daily sighting probability

More parks will be added in future updates.

Cities Where Found

# City Country Daily sighting probability
1 Portland 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
2 Dallas 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
3 Salt Lake City 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
4 Sacramento 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
5 Baltimore 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
6 Austin 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
7 Philadelphia 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
8 San Antonio 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
9 Houston 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
10 Minneapolis [Saint Paul] 🇺🇸 United States
<5%

Before you go

What are the chances of seeing a Red-Headed Ash Borer in San Francisco?

Rare

Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Red-Headed Ash Borer sighting in San Francisco on a given day, based on 5 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 679th most-seen of the 737 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, if each day is a fresh chance.

When is the best time to see a Red-Headed Ash Borer in San Francisco?

Any time of year

In every month with enough records, under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Red-Headed Ash Borer in San Francisco on a given day, so our monthly data shows no clear season.

Is San Francisco the best place to see a Red-Headed Ash Borer?

Among the best

Of the 18 cities where we can rate Red-Headed Ash Borer sightings, San Francisco ranks 18th at under 5%, level with the leaders once rounded. The best odds are in Portland (United States, under 5%), Dallas (United States, under 5%) and Salt Lake City (United States, under 5%).

Where does the Red-Headed Ash Borer sighting chance come from?

GBIF citizen-science records

It is estimated from how often the Red-Headed Ash Borer is recorded against all the insects logged in San Francisco (5 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.

← Back to San Francisco