Cottonwood Borer 
Plectrodera scalator


For More Information on the Cottonwood borer:

University of Nebraska Entomology Dept.

Common Characteristics:
A black and white beetle with very long antenna it is not hard to distinguish. 

Environmental Impact:
The larval stages do their damage to the base of trees (including cottonwood, poplar and willow) weakening the base of the tree causing the increased possibility of blowing over.

Management: 
Control mainly consists of proper pruning.