Corthylus columbianus
This record describes Corthylus columbianus (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
- Corthylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (VT-MN-SD to FL-AL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Castanea dentata, Quercus (Fagaceae), also Aceraceae, Magnoliaceae, Platanaceae, and Ulmaceae
Life History
Holes are bored straight into the sapwood until the tunnel nears the heartwood, then it turns. Entrance holes are clean cut and from 1/32 to 1/16" in diameter. Short tunnels from main tunnel are excavated at intervals. Eggs are laid in the chambers and the larvae live and develop in them. The larval food is a yeast of the species Pichia . It is stored and transported by prothoracic mycetangia possessed by the male beetle. Overwinter as pupae or adults in the most recent galleries 2-3 generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Corthylus columbianus Hopkins 1894
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Corthylus columbianus. 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 Corthylus columbianus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Corthylus columbianus
Where is Corthylus columbianus found?
Range: e. US (VT-MN-SD to FL-AL)
What does Corthylus columbianus eat?
The diet of the Corthylus columbianus includes Castanea dentata, Quercus (Fagaceae), also Aceraceae, Magnoliaceae, Platanaceae, and Ulmaceae.
What is the life cycle of a Corthylus columbianus?
Holes are bored straight into the sapwood until the tunnel nears the heartwood, then it turns. Entrance holes are clean cut and from 1/32 to 1/16" in diameter. Short tunnels from main tunnel are excavated at intervals. Eggs are laid in the chambers and the larvae live and develop in them. The larval food is a yeast of the species Pichia . It is stored and transported by prothoracic mycetangia possessed by the male beetle. Overwinter as pupae or adults in the most recent galleries 2-3 generations per year