Hylastes opacus
This record describes Hylastes opacus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Couplet #3 in Wood’s key to the species of Hylastes of North and Central America was modified in Hoebeke to facilitate identification of H. opacus . earliest record in our area: NY 1987
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Hylastini
- Genus
- Hylastes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
throughout the Eurasian conifer forests; [NB-MD to ON-WI-IN, WA-CA] ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pinaceae, mostly Pinus ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hylastes opacus Erichson 1836
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hylastes opacus. 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 Hylastes opacus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by mfdigiro
Frequently Asked Questions About Hylastes opacus
What is Hylastes opacus?
Hylastes opacus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hylastes opacus?
2.5-3.0mm
How do you identify Hylastes opacus?
Couplet #3 in Wood’s key to the species of Hylastes of North and Central America was modified in Hoebeke to facilitate identification of H. opacus .
Where is Hylastes opacus found?
Range: throughout the Eurasian conifer forests; [NB-MD to ON-WI-IN, WA-CA] ( 3 )
What does Hylastes opacus eat?
The diet of the Hylastes opacus includes Pinaceae, mostly Pinus ( 3 ).