Large Pine-shoot Beetle
Tomicus piniperda
This record describes Tomicus piniperda (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 3.5 to 4.8 mm. Elongate and cylindrical with the head narrowly visible from above, entirely black or very dark brown with the elytra contrastingly dark reddish-brown. Head evenly convex, finely punctured and pubescent. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. Lives mainly on pines, especially Scots Pine and Black Pine (also known as Austrian Pine). In the UK, it is univoltine with adults occurring virtually year-round; they overwinter at the base of trees or in hollows in twigs and branches and become active very early in the year, generally from February or March when they may disperse by flight to find suitable hosts. A destructive shoot-feeding bark beetle. Widespread, but quite local in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Hylurgini
- Genus
- Tomicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lives mainly on pines, especially Scots Pine and Black Pine (also known as Austrian Pine).
Seasonal Activity
In the UK, it is univoltine with adults occurring virtually year-round; they overwinter at the base of trees or in hollows in twigs and branches and become active very early in the year, generally from February or March when they may disperse by flight to find suitable hosts.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A destructive shoot-feeding bark beetle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, but quite local in England, Wales and parts of Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tomicus piniperda. 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 Large Pine-shoot Beetle (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Pine-shoot Beetle
What is Large Pine-shoot Beetle?
Large Pine-shoot Beetle (Tomicus piniperda) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Large Pine-shoot Beetle?
3.5 to 4.8 mm. Elongate and cylindrical with the head narrowly visible from above, entirely black or very dark brown with the elytra contrastingly dark reddish-brown. Head evenly convex, finely punctured and pubescent.
Where is Large Pine-shoot Beetle found?
Habitat: Lives mainly on pines, especially Scots Pine and Black Pine (also known as Austrian Pine).
When is Large Pine-shoot Beetle active?
Large Pine-shoot Beetle: seasonal activity - In the UK, it is univoltine with adults occurring virtually year-round; they overwinter at the base of trees or in hollows in twigs and branches and become active very early in the year, generally from February or March when they may disperse by flight to find suitable hosts..
What is the life cycle of a Large Pine-shoot Beetle?
A destructive shoot-feeding bark beetle.