Blackhorned Pine Borer
Callidium antennatum
This record describes Callidium antennatum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Usually found on fallen pine branches in the Sierra in spring
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Callidiini
- Genus
- Callidium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental in the US + w.NA (BC-CA-AZ)
Seasonal Activity
Adults in early spring ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dead or recently felled conifers ( 3 )
Life History
Eggs are laid beneath bark scales on dead trees or overwintered cut wood. The larvae feed on the phloem and outer sapwood, making broad wavy tunnels and pushing frass out through small holes. Pupation occurs in the wood in long cells plugged with wads of frass. Usually one generation per year. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Callidium antennatum Newman 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Callidium antennatum. 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 Blackhorned Pine Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Joyce Gross , Canehowlet , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackhorned Pine Borer
What is Blackhorned Pine Borer?
Blackhorned Pine Borer (Callidium antennatum) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Blackhorned Pine Borer found?
Range: transcontinental in the US + w.NA (BC-CA-AZ)
What does Blackhorned Pine Borer eat?
The diet of the Blackhorned Pine Borer includes Dead or recently felled conifers ( 3 ).
When is Blackhorned Pine Borer active?
Blackhorned Pine Borer: seasonal activity - Adults in early spring ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Blackhorned Pine Borer?
Eggs are laid beneath bark scales on dead trees or overwintered cut wood. The larvae feed on the phloem and outer sapwood, making broad wavy tunnels and pushing frass out through small holes. Pupation occurs in the wood in long cells plugged with wads of frass. Usually one generation per year. ( 3 )