Orthotomicus caelatus
This record describes Orthotomicus caelatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Intermediate in features between Pityokteines and Ips ; elytral declivity sexually dimorphic, with distinctly larger spines in male ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Ipini
- Genus
- Orthotomicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under bark of its host trees.
Geographic Range
throughout NA (CA-FL-NL-AK) / Bahamas - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Pinaceae ( Pinus, Picea, Larix spp.) ( 3 )
Life History
Attacks weakened trees, more commonly found in the lower bole in thick bark. ( 3 ) Short, radiating egg galleries originate at central nuptial chambers. One to 6 eggs are laid in large niches or pockets along the gallery sides. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: caelat (L). 'engrave'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orthotomicus caelatus. 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 Orthotomicus caelatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotomicus caelatus
What is Orthotomicus caelatus?
Orthotomicus caelatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Orthotomicus caelatus?
2.4-3.3 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Orthotomicus caelatus?
Intermediate in features between Pityokteines and Ips ; elytral declivity sexually dimorphic, with distinctly larger spines in male ( 3 )
Where is Orthotomicus caelatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Under bark of its host trees. |
| Range | throughout NA (CA-FL-NL-AK) / Bahamas - Map |
What does Orthotomicus caelatus eat?
The diet of the Orthotomicus caelatus includes hosts: various Pinaceae ( Pinus, Picea, Larix spp.) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Orthotomicus caelatus?
Attacks weakened trees, more commonly found in the lower bole in thick bark. ( 3 ) Short, radiating egg galleries originate at central nuptial chambers. One to 6 eggs are laid in large niches or pockets along the gallery sides. ( 4 )