Spruce Beetle
Dendroctonus rufipennis
This record describes Dendroctonus rufipennis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Frons closely granulate and coarsely punctate. An important forestry pest.
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
Habitat
On spruce ( Picea spp.)
Geographic Range
Transcontinental across Canada and AK, plus down the Rockies to NM - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus rufipennis. 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 Spruce Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Spruce Beetle
What is Spruce Beetle?
Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Spruce Beetle?
Frons closely granulate and coarsely punctate.
Where is Spruce Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On spruce ( Picea spp.) |
| Range | Transcontinental across Canada and AK, plus down the Rockies to NM - Map |