Blackberry – Red-necked Cane Borer
![photo | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener](https://t9e4s3i5.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-600x450.jpg)
Q: My thornless blackberry died suddenly and I found larva in the cane. Can you ID these critters?
A: Looks like red-necked cane borer. The larvae grow in the blackberry stem, causing it to enlarge, about a foot from ground level.
Scout your plants in winter, looking for the tell-tale knots. Remove infected canes from your property.