Which insect is classified as a borer among ornamental plants?

The dogwood borer is recognized as a borer among ornamental plants due to its specific habit of tunneling into the wood of certain trees and shrubs, particularly the dogwood. This behavior is characteristic of wood-boring insects, which lay their eggs on the plant. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow into the plant tissue, causing damage that can disrupt the flow of nutrients and water, leading to a decline in plant health or even death.

In contrast, other insects listed do not exhibit this bor-ing behavior. The black vine weevil primarily damage root systems and foliage, making it more of a surface feeder rather than a borer. The chinchbug is known for its impact primarily on grasses and causes damage by feeding on sap, not tunneling into the host plant. The two-spotted mite feeds on plant leaves by sucking out cellular content, which leads to a stippled appearance but is not a borer as it does not create tunnels. Therefore, the dogwood borer's specific characteristics clearly align with the behaviors associated with borers in ornamental plants.