A: Yes, the critter is commonly known as the mesquite twig girdler (Oncideres rhodostica ... The nice way to think of this damage is as nature’s way of pruning your tree.

Despite their noticeable impact on trees, you’ll probably never see a twig girdler; they’re stealthy ... While their activity can make a mess, the damage they cause to trees is minimal and ...

There are some other trees in my neighborhood doing the same ... This is usually caused by an insect called a twig girdler. Again, it can look alarming, but will not hurt a large tree.

However, contrary to expectations, generalists inflicted more nonlethal damage due to their broader ... have already killed the most vulnerable trees, spread to larger areas, and allowed host ...

On the other hand, young trees — those below 12-15 feet in height — may be at risk for long-term damage. If a young tree still looks damaged by next summer, Stelzer recommends contacting a ...