Oriental Wood Borer
Heterobostrychus aequalis
This record describes Heterobostrychus aequalis (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bostrichinae
- Tribe
- Bostrichini
- Genus
- Heterobostrychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
tropical Indo-Pacific islands, so. Asia; adventive in the New World, established in so. FL in the wild
Diet and Behavior
Diet: non host-specific (recorded from 30 tree genera) ; infests sapwood of commercial woods
Life History
can be completed in 1 year, but can extend to 6 years
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse 1884)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterobostrychus aequalis. 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 Oriental Wood Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oriental Wood Borer
How big is Oriental Wood Borer?
6-15 mm
Where is Oriental Wood Borer found?
Range: tropical Indo-Pacific islands, so. Asia; adventive in the New World, established in so. FL in the wild
What does Oriental Wood Borer eat?
The diet of the Oriental Wood Borer includes non host-specific (recorded from 30 tree genera) ; infests sapwood of commercial woods.
What is the life cycle of a Oriental Wood Borer?
can be completed in 1 year, but can extend to 6 years