Something is eating the base of my aspen trees. I've already lost one tree, it blew over in the wind because 3/4's of the base was gone. Someone told me the larva of this bug could be eating the base when they hatch. Any help in identifying the culprit would be helpful...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/frogandcricket/Little_Guy_by_Rabbittthewise.jpg

It's hard to tell by that picture, but if it's a cicada the larva do not damage trees in that way.

However, if the picture is of an "aspen borer" and the tree has the symptoms outlined from this link:

Frequently Asked Questions - Insects and their Relatives - utahpests.usu.edu (http://utahpests.usu.edu/insects/htm/faq/faq_q=120)

Then, yes, it could be due to the bug.

However, if the picture is of an "aspen borer" and the tree has the symptoms outlined from this link:

Thanks John... I looked up info on the "aspen borer" with pictures, (and reviewed the symptoms from your link) and this is exactly what we have... Thanks for the great info!

Thanks John....I looked up info on the "aspen borer" with pictures, (and reviewed the symptoms from your link) and this is exactly what we have...Thanks for the great info!

Not a problem. Good luck!