Sal Heartwood Borer

• Sal Heartwood Borer: A wood-boring insect associated with Sal trees.
• Scientific name: Hoplocerambyx spinicornis.
• Family: Cerambycidae — longhorn beetles.
• Host: Mainly Sal (Shorea robusta).
• Nature: The larvae bore into the wood, causing damage to Sal trees.
• Distribution: Associated with Sal forests of the Indian subcontinent.
• Prelims relevance: Important in the context of forest health, Sal forests and insect pests.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the Sal Heartwood Borer, consider the following statements:

1. It is associated with Sal trees.
2. It belongs to the family Cerambycidae.
3. Its larvae bore into wood and can damage Sal trees.
4. It is a fungal disease of Sal trees.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 — Correct: Sal Heartwood Borer is associated with Sal trees.
• Statement 2 — Correct: It belongs to the beetle family Cerambycidae.
• Statement 3 — Correct: Its larvae bore into wood and cause damage.
• Statement 4 — Incorrect: It is an insect pest, not a fungal disease.

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