The longhorn beetle Chlorophorus ahmadi (Col.: Cerambycidae), a threat to juniper habitats (A case study: Juniper habitat of Goinik, North Khorasan)

Document Type : Scientific Letters

Authors

1 Researcher, Plant Protection Research Department, North Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bojnord, Iran

2 Researcher, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, North Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bojnord, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, North Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bojnord, Iran

10.22092/irn.2025.370537.1669

Abstract

Juniper trees (Juniperus excelsa) are native and keystone species in the mountainous regions of northeastern Iran, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and functioning of forest ecosystems. In August 2024, during field surveys in the natural juniper habitat of Goinik in North Khorasan Province, wood-boring beetle larvae (Cerambycidae) were collected by direct observation. Preliminary assessments indicated that these larvae caused considerable damage to trunks and branches, leading to severe physiological weakening and noticeable dieback in several juniper trees. For accurate taxonomic identification, the larvae were reared under controlled laboratory conditions, and the emerged adults were examined in detail based on their morphological characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated that the species was Chlorophorus ahmadi, with the final identification confirmed in collaboration with Dr. Pierpaolo Rapuzzi (Italy). This represents the first documented record of C. ahmadi occurring in the juniper habitats of North Khorasan. Considering the damage observed in the field, monitoring the population of this species and assessing its ecological role are essential priorities. The findings of this study may provide a useful basis for developing protective and management strategies to determine potential control of this pest and support the long-term health and sustainability of juniper forests.

Keywords

References

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Iran Nature
Volume 10, Issue 4 - Serial Number 53
November and December 2025
Pages 45-49

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