Furthermore, X. germanus is recognized or suspected to act as a vector for plant pathogens to varying extents, potentially leading to the decline of trees.

[2] The black stem borer is native to eastern Asia, but is an invasive species in Europe and North America.

[7] In contrast to other species within the Xyleborini tribe, such as Xylosandrus and related genera, X. germanus is found outside of the tropical zone.

X. germanus does not exhibit strong size selectivity, and it will reproduce in both small branches and large logs and stumps, with a potential preference for stems under 10 cm in diameter.

[10] The beetle's search is guided by the presence of ethanol, which is synthesized in larger quantities by dead or distressed woody material.

[10] Female Xylosandrus germanus relies on emitting stress-induced volatiles, with ethanol being a key factor in locating appropriate hosts.

[6][12] Common sawdust types that enable X. germanus reproduction include pear, oak, white ash, European buckthorn, and red maple.

Blocking is deemed crucial for safeguarding broods from natural enemies and preventing the premature (and fatal) exit of larvae from the galleries.

Unless inactive, X. germanus larvae consistently use their mandibles to chew on various surfaces, including the fungal growth lining the gallery walls and their nest mates.

[13] Research has tested that X. germanus takes advantage of the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emitted by fungi in host selection.

X. germanus was shown to have a strong preference for branch sections that are either pre-colonized by conspecifics or pre-inoculated with A. grosmanniae, their fungal mutualist.

Besides, X. germanus was reported to be able to distinguish between volatiles emitted by various associated fungi, directing its selection based on different combinations of odorous sources.

These females, recognizing suitable woody tissues, may consequently opt to colonize the same host site, excavating their galleries and forming aggregations.

In this scenario, ethanol might serve as a long-range attractant for dispersing X. germanus females (i.e., those in flight), who could then utilize specific MVOCs for short-range orientation on the bolts.

[7] The introduction of a small number of female individuals could establish an active population if suitable host plants are available and environmental conditions are favorable.

After the year 2000, X. germanus spread throughout Europe and is now present in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

[14] Economic damage was initially documented in 2016 when a significant quantity of timber, not removed from the forest immediately after logging, was infested by X. germanus.

[10][16][14] It is believed that X. germanus initially entered Europe through the transport of wood from Japan to Germany in the middle of the twentieth century.

[17] Researchers now theorize that climate change and the global transport of lumber continues to bring X. germanus into new environments.

[16][17] The invasion of X. germanus in Europe is detrimental to the logging industry, as downed trees inhabited by the pest lose value, or are rendered unsellable.

[16] Additionally, as in some European countries, monitoring programs utilizing ethanol-baited traps indicate that X. germanus has become a predominant ambrosia beetle species, regardless of the forest type.

[14] Researchers have data from their experiment conducted in western Slovakia spanning from 2010 to 2012 (Forest District Prievidza, Duchonka locality, 48°40´S, 18°05´V).

In oak stands with an average age of 60–80 years, they deployed Lindgren funnel traps equipped with ethanol Ultra High Release (UHR) gelled lures, each weighing approximately 120 grams.