Red Turpentine Beetle
Dendroctonus valens
This record describes Dendroctonus valens (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
Disjunct e. & w. populations (NS‒MN‒TN; BC‒CA to SD‒TX); south to Nicaragua
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primary host: Pinus
Life History
in colder parts overwinter as adult; 2-3 generations per year in south; further north, 1-2
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendroctonus valens LeConte 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dendroctonus valens. 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 Red Turpentine Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Turpentine Beetle
How big is Red Turpentine Beetle?
5.5‒9 mm
Where is Red Turpentine Beetle found?
Range: Disjunct e. & w. populations (NS‒MN‒TN; BC‒CA to SD‒TX); south to Nicaragua
What does Red Turpentine Beetle eat?
The diet of the Red Turpentine Beetle includes Primary host: Pinus.
What is the life cycle of a Red Turpentine Beetle?
in colder parts overwinter as adult; 2-3 generations per year in south; further north, 1-2