Live-oak Root Borer
Archodontes melanopus
This record describes Archodontes melanopus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A. m. melanopus resembles Mallodon dasystomus (see Yanega )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Prioninae
- Tribe
- Macrotomini
- Genus
- Archodontes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. US - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae form galls on roots of Live Oak ( Quercus virginiana ), Water Oak ( Q. nigra ) and other hardwoods ( 4 ) Eggs are deposited at the base of young trees, just below ground level. The larvae bore into the roots and excavate large, flattened galleries in the wood. Huge galls form on infested roots and interfere with the tree's growth. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Archodontes melanopus (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Archodontes melanopus. 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 Live-oak Root Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , Ben Coulter , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Live-oak Root Borer
What is Live-oak Root Borer?
Live-oak Root Borer (Archodontes melanopus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Live-oak Root Borer?
30-57 mm
How do you identify Live-oak Root Borer?
A. m. melanopus resembles Mallodon dasystomus (see Yanega )
Where is Live-oak Root Borer found?
Range: so. US - Map
When is Live-oak Root Borer active?
Live-oak Root Borer: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Live-oak Root Borer?
Larvae form galls on roots of Live Oak ( Quercus virginiana ), Water Oak ( Q. nigra ) and other hardwoods ( 4 ) Eggs are deposited at the base of young trees, just below ground level. The larvae bore into the roots and excavate large, flattened galleries in the wood. Huge galls form on infested roots and interfere with the tree's growth. ( 5 )