Chestnut Timberworm
Melittomma sericeum
This record describes Melittomma sericeum (species). Recorded family: Lymexylidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Melittomma sericeum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melittomma_sericeum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Lymexyloidea
- Family
- Lymexylidae
- Genus
- Melittomma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (ME-n.FL to IA-e.TX) - Map , rare along the Gulf and s. Atlantic coast, e.g. known from a single FL spmn from the panhandle
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: oak, elm, chestnut (American chestnut - Castanea dentata , before its demise, was the preferred host; now chiefly in white oaks)
Life History
probably takes several yrs to mature Eggs are laid in cracks on the surface of wood. The larvae bore deep into the wood, enlarging their tunnels. Pupation occurs in cells constructed near the surface.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melittomma sericeum (Harris 1838)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melittomma sericeum. 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 Chestnut Timberworm (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Chestnut Timberworm
How big is Chestnut Timberworm?
adults 11-15 mm, mature larvae 15-18 mm
Where is Chestnut Timberworm found?
Range: e US (ME-n.FL to IA-e.TX) - Map , rare along the Gulf and s. Atlantic coast, e.g. known from a single FL spmn from the panhandle
What does Chestnut Timberworm eat?
The diet of the Chestnut Timberworm includes hosts: oak, elm, chestnut (American chestnut - Castanea dentata , before its demise, was the preferred host; now chiefly in white oaks).
What is the life cycle of a Chestnut Timberworm?
probably takes several yrs to mature Eggs are laid in cracks on the surface of wood. The larvae bore deep into the wood, enlarging their tunnels. Pupation occurs in cells constructed near the surface.