Hylobius radicis
This record describes Hylobius radicis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Hylobiini
- Genus
- Hylobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-MB to KY-WI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Scotch pine is the favored host but will eat jack, red, Austrian, eastern white, pitch, and mugho pines
Life History
Eggs are laid from early May to early Sept in cavities in the inner bark of the tree's base or in nearby soil. The larvae feed downward in the inner bark and roots below ground level, widening their galleries as they grow. Galleries are also formed in the soil around the base. Pupation occurs from June-Sept in cells constructed in the soil. In the Lake States, they overwinter as larvae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hylobius radicis Buchanan 1935
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hylobius radicis. 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 Hylobius radicis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Hylobius radicis
How big is Hylobius radicis?
10-12mm
Where is Hylobius radicis found?
Range: QC-MB to KY-WI
What does Hylobius radicis eat?
The diet of the Hylobius radicis includes Scotch pine is the favored host but will eat jack, red, Austrian, eastern white, pitch, and mugho pines.
What is the life cycle of a Hylobius radicis?
Eggs are laid from early May to early Sept in cavities in the inner bark of the tree's base or in nearby soil. The larvae feed downward in the inner bark and roots below ground level, widening their galleries as they grow. Galleries are also formed in the soil around the base. Pupation occurs from June-Sept in cells constructed in the soil. In the Lake States, they overwinter as larvae.