Eastern Ash Bark Beetle
Hylesinus aculeatus
This record describes Hylesinus aculeatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The most commonly encountered ash-breeding bark beetle in eastern North America (T. Atkinson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2011) at high risk of endangerment due to the EAB ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Hylesinini
- Genus
- Hylesinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to MT - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Fraxinus (Oleaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hylesinus aculeatus Say 1826
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hylesinus aculeatus. 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 Eastern Ash Bark Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Ash Bark Beetle
What is Eastern Ash Bark Beetle?
Eastern Ash Bark Beetle (Hylesinus aculeatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eastern Ash Bark Beetle?
2.0-3.0 mm
Where is Eastern Ash Bark Beetle found?
Range: e NA to MT - Map
What does Eastern Ash Bark Beetle eat?
The diet of the Eastern Ash Bark Beetle includes Hosts: Fraxinus (Oleaceae).