Eastern Larch Beetle
Dendroctonus simplex
This record describes Dendroctonus simplex (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
northern transcontinental (LB-NU-AK to WV-IN-MN-BC)
Seasonal Activity
Adults are active from May until late August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Larix
Life History
Overwinters as adults Eggs are laid in niches arranged in alternate groups of 3-6 eggs along the sides of the less winding galleries. The larval mines are in the inner bark and are quite short. Up to 3 generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendroctonus simplex LeConte 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus simplex. 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 Eastern Larch Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Larch Beetle
Where is Eastern Larch Beetle found?
Range: northern transcontinental (LB-NU-AK to WV-IN-MN-BC)
What does Eastern Larch Beetle eat?
The diet of the Eastern Larch Beetle includes host: Larix.
When is Eastern Larch Beetle active?
Eastern Larch Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults are active from May until late August.
What is the life cycle of a Eastern Larch Beetle?
Overwinters as adults Eggs are laid in niches arranged in alternate groups of 3-6 eggs along the sides of the less winding galleries. The larval mines are in the inner bark and are quite short. Up to 3 generations per year