any of approximately 700 species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) that live in dry wood or under tree bark. Branch and twig borers range in size from 3 to 20 mm (0.1 to 0.8 inch). However, the palm borer (Dinapate wrighti) of western North America, is about 50 mm long. The apple twig, or grape cane, borer (Amphicerus bicaudatus) bores into living fruit-tree branches and grape vines but breeds in dead wood. The lead-cable borer, or short-circuit beetle (Scobicia declivis), bores into the lead covering of older telephone cables. Moisture entering through the hole can cause short circuits. This beetle lives in oak, maple, or other trees and does not feed on the cable sheathing.