Hardwood Stump Borer
Mallodon dasystomus
This record describes Mallodon dasystomus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tubercles at the base of the antennae acute; mandibles nearly horizontal, prolonged in male, more or less carinate above, most bidentate and pubescent internally.
Wikipedia reference for Mallodon dasystomus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallodon_dasystomus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Prioninae
- Tribe
- Mallodonini
- Genus
- Mallodon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Geographic Range
se. US to AZ (AZ-FL-VA-OK) to Columbia - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae bore in live heartwood of trees, incl. oak, elm, willow, pecan, maple, sycamore, etc. ( 3 )
Life History
take 3-4 years to mature. Can be economically damaging. Adults come to lights. Eggs are laid around wounds, particularly near the base of the tree. The larvae bore into the heartwood, feeding gregariously. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mallodon dasystomus (Say 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mallodon dasystomus. 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 Hardwood Stump Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Stump Borer
What is Hardwood Stump Borer?
Hardwood Stump Borer (Mallodon dasystomus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hardwood Stump Borer?
20-50 mm
How do you identify Hardwood Stump Borer?
Tubercles at the base of the antennae acute; mandibles nearly horizontal, prolonged in male, more or less carinate above, most bidentate and pubescent internally.
Where is Hardwood Stump Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous forests |
| Range | se. US to AZ (AZ-FL-VA-OK) to Columbia - Map |
What does Hardwood Stump Borer eat?
The diet of the Hardwood Stump Borer includes Larvae bore in live heartwood of trees, incl. oak, elm, willow, pecan, maple, sycamore, etc. ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Hardwood Stump Borer?
take 3-4 years to mature. Can be economically damaging. Adults come to lights. Eggs are laid around wounds, particularly near the base of the tree. The larvae bore into the heartwood, feeding gregariously. ( 4 )