Large Pine Weevil
Hylobius abietis
This record describes Hylobius abietis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This large weevil (10 -13mm) has orange or creamy-yellow bands on the elytra across a dark background. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Coniferous forests and areas with coniferous trees. The name is slightly misleading because Large Pine Weevils feed on the living bark of most woody or herbaceous plants. Hylobius abietis and species of Hylastes (Black Pine Beetles) breed principally in stumps and roots of felled trees of a wide range of conifer species. The adults hibernate overwinter and then feed on the bark of mainly sapling fir, pine and spruce. This damage can prevent the young tree growing. Adults can live up to four years. Although it is widespread throughout Britain, it is rather local, with populations being dependant on the food plant being available in numbers. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Hylobius abietis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylobius_abietis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Curculionidae
- Genus
- Hylobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coniferous forests and areas with coniferous trees. The name is slightly misleading because Large Pine Weevils feed on the living bark of most woody or herbaceous plants.
Seasonal Activity
Mostly seen from spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Hylobius abietis
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although it is widespread throughout Britain, it is rather local, with populations being dependant on the food plant being available in numbers.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hylobius abietis. 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 Weevil (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Pine Weevil
What is Large Pine Weevil?
Large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Large Pine Weevil found?
Habitat: Coniferous forests and areas with coniferous trees. The name is slightly misleading because Large Pine Weevils feed on the living bark of most woody or herbaceous plants.
When is Large Pine Weevil active?
Large Pine Weevil: seasonal activity - Mostly seen from spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Large Pine Weevil?
Hylobius abietis