Novel use of a micro‐computed tomography scanner to trace larvae of wood boring insects

Abstract

AbstractTracing the tunnels of wood boring larvae in wood or other plant material is generally a difficult and destructive process. Here we present a novel non‐destructive method using an in vivo micro‐CT scanner to obtain tomograms of small tunnels. The tunnels were formed by larval xiphydriid woodwasps in the branches of the Tasmanian tree Anodopetalum biglandulosum (Cunoniaceae) and show that, as the larvae develop, the tunnels become progressively larger until pupation occurs just below the surface of the bark. The adult then chews its way through the remaining wood and bark before emerging. This non‐destructive method is discussed more broadly in regard to its application for tracing the tunnels of wood boring insects, for detecting insects in grain and other plant material for quarantine purposes, and for tracking the tunnelling behaviour and development of live insects in wood.