Boxwood Borer
Heterobostrychus brunneus
This record describes Heterobostrychus brunneus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
common in Africa where it is often a pest in debarked logs and in timber used in floors/roof
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
native to Africa, adventive in NA (CA, established)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
completed in ~1 year (up to 3 years)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterobostrychus brunneus (Murray 1867)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Heterobostrychus brunneus. 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 Boxwood Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Boxwood Borer
What is Boxwood Borer?
Boxwood Borer (Heterobostrychus brunneus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Boxwood Borer?
6–13 mm
Where is Boxwood Borer found?
Range: native to Africa, adventive in NA (CA, established)
What is the life cycle of a Boxwood Borer?
completed in ~1 year (up to 3 years)