Pitch-eating Weevil
Pachylobius picivorus
This record describes Pachylobius picivorus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Hylobius but tibiae with dilated outer apical angles
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Hylobiini
- Genus
- Pachylobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
pine forests
Geographic Range
e. NA (LB-FL to ON-WI-TX) - Map , more common in the southeast
Seasonal Activity
year-round in so. US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on young pines, especially where disturbed by fire, logging, construction.
Life History
similar to Hylobius pales . Larvae tunnel along the roots, feeding on phloem and xylem, and after 5-6 instars pupate in cells (chip cocoons) constructed in the sapwood or bark of roots ( Dixon & Foltz 1990 ) Adults are attracted to and breed beneath the bark of dying pine stumps or roots, sometimes to a depth of 3'. Eggs are laid in the cambial region of roots as small as 5mm in diameter. Burrowing may occur as far as 25' from the stump with small piles of soil surrounding the entrance. Newly-hatched larvae feed beneath the bark, packing their mines with frass and mine dust. The surface of the sapwood may be etched depending on the number and size of larvae as well as the size of the root.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachylobius picivorus ( Germar 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachylobius picivorus. 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 Pitch-eating Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitch-eating Weevil
What is Pitch-eating Weevil?
Pitch-eating Weevil (Pachylobius picivorus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pitch-eating Weevil?
8-11 mm ( Dixon & Foltz 1990 )
How do you identify Pitch-eating Weevil?
Similar to Hylobius but tibiae with dilated outer apical angles
Where is Pitch-eating Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | pine forests |
| Range | e. NA (LB-FL to ON-WI-TX) - Map , more common in the southeast |
What does Pitch-eating Weevil eat?
The diet of the Pitch-eating Weevil includes Adults feed on young pines, especially where disturbed by fire, logging, construction..
When is Pitch-eating Weevil active?
Pitch-eating Weevil: seasonal activity - year-round in so. US.
What is the life cycle of a Pitch-eating Weevil?
similar to Hylobius pales . Larvae tunnel along the roots, feeding on phloem and xylem, and after 5-6 instars pupate in cells (chip cocoons) constructed in the sapwood or bark of roots ( Dixon & Foltz 1990 ) Adults are attracted to and breed beneath the bark of dying pine stumps or roots, sometimes to a depth of 3'. Eggs are laid in the cambial region of roots as small as 5mm in diameter. Burrowing may occur as far as 25' from the stump with small piles of soil surrounding the entrance. Newly-hatched larvae feed beneath the bark, packing their mines with frass and mine dust. The surface of the sapwood may be etched depending on the number and size of larvae as well as the size of the root.