Sapwood Timberworm
Elateroides lugubris
This record describes Elateroides lugubris (species). Recorded family: Lymexylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae have a slender, barbed spine on the 9th abdominal segment.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Lymexyloidea
- Family
- Lymexylidae
- Genus
- Elateroides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NF-AB to NY-IN ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
adults emerge Apr-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: poplar (major host), birch, tulip tree, basswood, buckeye, black walnut, chestnut ; common in fairly fresh Populus logs
Life History
Eggs are laid from April to July in the crevices of bark on drying tree or green logs left on the ground in the woods.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Elateroides lugubris (Say, 1835) formerly treated in Hylecoetus
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elateroides lugubris. 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 Sapwood Timberworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess , majohnston
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapwood Timberworm
What is Sapwood Timberworm?
Sapwood Timberworm (Elateroides lugubris) is a species in the family Lymexylidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sapwood Timberworm?
9.5-15 mm
How do you identify Sapwood Timberworm?
Larvae have a slender, barbed spine on the 9th abdominal segment.
Where is Sapwood Timberworm found?
Range: NF-AB to NY-IN ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Sapwood Timberworm eat?
The diet of the Sapwood Timberworm includes hosts: poplar (major host), birch, tulip tree, basswood, buckeye, black walnut, chestnut ; common in fairly fresh Populus logs.
When is Sapwood Timberworm active?
Sapwood Timberworm: seasonal activity - adults emerge Apr-Jul.
What is the life cycle of a Sapwood Timberworm?
Eggs are laid from April to July in the crevices of bark on drying tree or green logs left on the ground in the woods.