Lesser Pine Borer
Acanthocinus nodosus
This record describes Acanthocinus nodosus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pattern distinctive; antennae ~3x as long as body in males, ~2x in females; female pygidium modified into a tube for ovipositing ♂ ♀
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lamiinae
- Tribe
- Acanthocinini
- Genus
- Acanthocinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (PA-FL to OH-TX) - Map , mostly se. US to NJ, rare in TX w. of the Brazos R.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: especially loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) & pitch pine ( P. rigida ) ( 4 )
Life History
Larvae eat bark (phloem) of dead or dying pine. Pupation near bark surface. Eggs are laid in pits chewed in the bark or in exit holes of bark beetles. Larvae feed in the bark, competing with and sometimes destroying bark beetle broods. Pupation is in nestlike chambers. ( 5 ) One generation per year. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acanthocinus nodosus (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acanthocinus nodosus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lesser Pine Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Harsi S. Parker , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Pine Borer
What is Lesser Pine Borer?
Lesser Pine Borer (Acanthocinus nodosus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lesser Pine Borer?
18-27 mm
How do you identify Lesser Pine Borer?
pattern distinctive; antennae ~3x as long as body in males, ~2x in females; female pygidium modified into a tube for ovipositing ♂ ♀
Where is Lesser Pine Borer found?
Range: e US (PA-FL to OH-TX) - Map , mostly se. US to NJ, rare in TX w. of the Brazos R.
What does Lesser Pine Borer eat?
The diet of the Lesser Pine Borer includes hosts: especially loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) & pitch pine ( P. rigida ) ( 4 ).
When is Lesser Pine Borer active?
Lesser Pine Borer: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Pine Borer?
Larvae eat bark (phloem) of dead or dying pine. Pupation near bark surface. Eggs are laid in pits chewed in the bark or in exit holes of bark beetles. Larvae feed in the bark, competing with and sometimes destroying bark beetle broods. Pupation is in nestlike chambers. ( 5 ) One generation per year. ( 5 )