Southern Pine Beetle
Dendroctonus frontalis
This record describes Dendroctonus frontalis (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
- Hylurgini
- Genus
- Dendroctonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. & so.US (RI‒FL‒AZ) to Nicaragua
Seasonal Activity
hosts: pines
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinter in the bark in all life stages; 3‒5 generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus frontalis. 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 Southern Pine Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pine Beetle
How big is Southern Pine Beetle?
2.2‒4.2 mm
Where is Southern Pine Beetle found?
Range: e. & so.US (RI‒FL‒AZ) to Nicaragua
When is Southern Pine Beetle active?
Southern Pine Beetle: seasonal activity - hosts: pines.
What is the life cycle of a Southern Pine Beetle?
Overwinter in the bark in all life stages; 3‒5 generations per year