Pine Bark Anobiid
Ernobius mollis
This record describes Ernobius mollis (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pine Bark Anobiid (Ernobius mollis) is a species in the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch and spider beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Ernobiinae, tribe Ernobiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Bostrichoidea. This species belongs to the genus Ernobius. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.8-6.2 mm. It is found in infests softwood timber, especially with small sections of bark remaining; feeds in outer sapwood beneath the bark; does not reinfest or cause structural damage to wood ; sawmills, books.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ernobiinae
- Tribe
- Ernobiini
- Genus
- Ernobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
infests softwood timber, especially with small sections of bark remaining; feeds in outer sapwood beneath the bark; does not reinfest or cause structural damage to wood ( 3 ) ; sawmills, books ( 5 )
Geographic Range
adventive in NA (NF-ON & e. US) - Map , native to the Palaearctic (considered of uncertain origin in )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ernobius mollis (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ernobius mollis. 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 Pine Bark Anobiid (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Bark Anobiid
What is Pine Bark Anobiid?
Pine Bark Anobiid (Ernobius mollis) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pine Bark Anobiid?
2.8-6.2 mm
Where is Pine Bark Anobiid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | infests softwood timber, especially with small sections of bark remaining; feeds in outer sapwood beneath the bark; does not reinfest or cause structural damage to wood ( 3 ) ; sawmills, books ( 5 ) |
| Range | adventive in NA (NF-ON & e. US) - Map , native to the Palaearctic (considered of uncertain origin in ) |