White Pine Cone Beetle
Conophthorus coniperda
This record describes Conophthorus coniperda (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Corthylini
- Genus
- Conophthorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-NC to MN)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: white pine seeds
Life History
Overwinters as an adults in infested cones on the ground. When a female finds a suitable cone, she bores into it and across the axis. Males join her and their tunnel is excavated the full length of the cone. The larvae feed on the seeds and tissues then pupate in the cells at the ends of the tunnels. One generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Conophthorus coniperda (Schwarz 1895)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conophthorus coniperda. 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 White Pine Cone Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About White Pine Cone Beetle
How big is White Pine Cone Beetle?
2.8 - 4.2mm long
Where is White Pine Cone Beetle found?
Range: e. NA (NS-NC to MN)
What does White Pine Cone Beetle eat?
The diet of the White Pine Cone Beetle includes white pine seeds.
What is the life cycle of a White Pine Cone Beetle?
Overwinters as an adults in infested cones on the ground. When a female finds a suitable cone, she bores into it and across the axis. Males join her and their tunnel is excavated the full length of the cone. The larvae feed on the seeds and tissues then pupate in the cells at the ends of the tunnels. One generation per year.