Wharf Borer
Nacerdes melanura
This record describes Nacerdes melanura (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
They fly to light, often to windows; thousands may suddenly appear in/around a building, disrupt business operations and be a nuisance. Larvae may infest pilings under wharves and under buildings near the water, boardwalks along the sea coast, wood floors in damp basements, boats, greenhouse benches.
Wikipedia reference for Nacerdes melanura: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nacerdes_melanura.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oedemerinae
- Tribe
- Nacerdini
- Genus
- Nacerdes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist wood, where the larvae build long galleries
Geographic Range
native to the Old World, adventive in NA
Seasonal Activity
adults emerge about the same time every year; active Apr‒Aug outdoors, year-round indoors
Diet and Behavior
Diet: wet and decayed wood (softwoods & hardwoods); adults feed on pollen
Life History
usually one year (up to several years in cooler climates); mating and ovipositing occur in moist rotten wood, larvae develop in irregular galleries and pupate in small chambers; adults emerge in large numbers and live ~7 days
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nacerdes melanura (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nacerdes melanura. 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 Wharf Borer (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Wharf Borer
What is Wharf Borer?
Wharf Borer (Nacerdes melanura) is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Wharf Borer?
9.4‒13.5 mm
Where is Wharf Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist wood, where the larvae build long galleries |
| Range | native to the Old World, adventive in NA |
What does Wharf Borer eat?
The diet of the Wharf Borer includes wet and decayed wood (softwoods & hardwoods); adults feed on pollen.
When is Wharf Borer active?
Wharf Borer: seasonal activity - adults emerge about the same time every year; active Apr‒Aug outdoors, year-round indoors.
What is the life cycle of a Wharf Borer?
usually one year (up to several years in cooler climates); mating and ovipositing occur in moist rotten wood, larvae develop in irregular galleries and pupate in small chambers; adults emerge in large numbers and live ~7 days