Is this beetle on my apricot tree a pest?

Question

My apricot tree is infested with black and white beetles on the branches. They are 2-3 cm / 1 inch long. I can't find an identification on the web. There is no visible damage to the tree. Is this beetle a pest? Should I be removing them?

My location is the Mediterranean / Middle East.

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Are there any signs of damage to the tree? *what state are u in? Try this link if nothing materializes here: http://bugguide.net/node/view/6/bgimage — Dale, Jul 05 '11 at 20:30
Thanks - I updated the question with the relevant data you asked about. The link is for N. American bugs, so I couldn't find my friend there. — Jonathan, Jul 06 '11 at 13:58
For those interested, this tree died in 2014 from this infestation. — Jonathan, Jan 13 '15 at 11:24
It's a great low light macro shot. Very fine details. Just look at the little guys feet and body. And the veins on the leaf. Beautiful. — , May 31 '15 at 08:59

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 06 '11 at 14:43

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That is a Capnodis tenebrionis (L.). - Peach Flatheaded Rootborer.

They seem to be fairly problematic, and HIGHLY UNWANTED. They are very destructive to the plant.

Larvae and adults damage saplings and young stone-fruit cultures. Adults devour cortex, leafstalks, and fruit buds. Orchard bushes lose their leaves after C. tenebrionis mass abundance. Economic significance is greater in southern arid regions, especially in Eastern Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Irrigation of orchards during oviposition period is one of the pest control measures because it destroys most eggs.

answered Jul 06 '11 at 14:43

Seanland

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Are you sure that this is the species? It is entirely black, whereas the one in the photos is black and white; of course, it may change color at different stages in its development.. – Mancuniensis Jul 06 '11 at 15:17
"black, sometimes with bronze shine". Pretty certain that is what it is. Everything seems to match with your situation. – Seanland Jul 06 '11 at 15:31
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I checked it out and that's definitely Capnodis. – Jonathan Jul 13 '11 at 16:58
Good Luck! hope it all goes well. – Seanland Jul 14 '11 at 01:45

score 3 · Answer 2 · edited Sep 18 '16 at 16:33

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Capnodis sexmaculata (Coleoptera; Buprestidae). In Balochistan, Pakistan it is a pest of Apricot and Almond

edited Sep 18 '16 at 16:33

kevinskio

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answered Sep 18 '16 at 12:07

user15877

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Is this beetle on my apricot tree a pest?

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