[frogandcricket]

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...

[JohnSnownw]

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

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

[frogandcricket]

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!

[JohnSnownw]

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!