Small Cedar Borer
Atimia confusa
This record describes Atimia confusa (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small Cedar Borer (Atimia confusa) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Spondylidinae, tribe Atimiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Chrysomeloidea. This species belongs to the genus Atimia. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 6-9 mm. Active during spring through fall.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Spondylidinae
- Tribe
- Atimiini
- Genus
- Atimia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-ME-MI) / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , GBIF records w. of Texas apparently in error
Seasonal Activity
spring through fall ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: On Cupressaceae: Juniperus ( 5 ) , Cupressus, Taxodium, Thuja, Chamaecyparis ( 6 )
Life History
Adults appear in early spring and also in early fall, laying their eggs under bark scales. The larvae feed entirely between the bark and wood, packing frass behind them. Pupation occurs in cells in the sapwood. ( 7 ) Overwinter as larvae or adults ( 7 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atimia confusa. 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 Small Cedar Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Cedar Borer
What is Small Cedar Borer?
Small Cedar Borer (Atimia confusa) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Small Cedar Borer?
6-9 mm
Where is Small Cedar Borer found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-ME-MI) / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , GBIF records w. of Texas apparently in error
What does Small Cedar Borer eat?
The diet of the Small Cedar Borer includes On Cupressaceae: Juniperus ( 5 ) , Cupressus, Taxodium, Thuja, Chamaecyparis ( 6 ).
When is Small Cedar Borer active?
Small Cedar Borer: seasonal activity - spring through fall ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Small Cedar Borer?
Adults appear in early spring and also in early fall, laying their eggs under bark scales. The larvae feed entirely between the bark and wood, packing frass behind them. Pupation occurs in cells in the sapwood. ( 7 ) Overwinter as larvae or adults ( 7 )