Black Turpentine Beetle
Dendroctonus terebrans
This record describes Dendroctonus terebrans (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.US (MA‒FL to MO‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pinus spp. (Pinaceae)
Life History
Overwinters as an adult in the north, in the Deep South all life stages present throughout the year; 2‒3 generations a year in the south ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier 1795)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus terebrans. 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 Black Turpentine Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , onegunah , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Turpentine Beetle
How big is Black Turpentine Beetle?
5‒8 mm
Where is Black Turpentine Beetle found?
Range: e.US (MA‒FL to MO‒TX)
What does Black Turpentine Beetle eat?
The diet of the Black Turpentine Beetle includes Pinus spp. (Pinaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Black Turpentine Beetle?
Overwinters as an adult in the north, in the Deep South all life stages present throughout the year; 2‒3 generations a year in the south ( 3 )