Black Elm Bark Weevil
Magdalis barbita
This record describes Magdalis barbita (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
- Mesoptiliinae
- Tribe
- Magdalidini
- Genus
- Magdalis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-GA-NB-MB) - Map (GBIF)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul in NB , Mar-May in c. TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: elms (American elm preferred, also cedar elm)
Life History
Eggs are laid in the bark in May and June. The larvae feed in the inner bark and sapwood, constructing galleries up to 1.5" long. Pupation occurs in oval cells just beneath the bark. ( 4 ) One generation per year ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Magdalis barbita (Say 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Magdalis barbita. 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 Black Elm Bark Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Elm Bark Weevil
How big is Black Elm Bark Weevil?
4-6 mm
Where is Black Elm Bark Weevil found?
Range: e. NA (TX-GA-NB-MB) - Map (GBIF)
What does Black Elm Bark Weevil eat?
The diet of the Black Elm Bark Weevil includes hosts: elms (American elm preferred, also cedar elm).
When is Black Elm Bark Weevil active?
Black Elm Bark Weevil: seasonal activity - May-Jul in NB , Mar-May in c. TX.
What is the life cycle of a Black Elm Bark Weevil?
Eggs are laid in the bark in May and June. The larvae feed in the inner bark and sapwood, constructing galleries up to 1.5" long. Pupation occurs in oval cells just beneath the bark. ( 4 ) One generation per year ( 4 )