flatheaded fir borer
Phaenops drummondi
This record describes Phaenops drummondi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Highly variable; elytra with various sizes/patterns of yellow maculation, or they may be immaculate. Type locality: Rocky Mtns.; of nicolayi NH
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Melanophilini
- Genus
- Phaenops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coniferous forests
Geographic Range
w. NA; AK-CA, coast to coast in the north) [cite:208645,111; MacRae & Westcott 2012]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: See MacRae & Westcott 2012
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Thomas Drummond (ca. 1790-1835), a Scotland-born botantist who collected plants, birds and insects in Texas during 1833-34. He died in Havana in 1835 while in route to Scotland to bring his family back to Texas. Lampetis drummondi (Laporte & Gory) and Phaenops drummondi (Kirby) were both named for Drummond in 1837. He apparently collected neither spp.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaenops drummondi. 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 flatheaded fir borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Acmaeodera
Frequently Asked Questions About flatheaded fir borer
What is flatheaded fir borer?
flatheaded fir borer (Phaenops drummondi) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is flatheaded fir borer?
Length 8-12 mm
How do you identify flatheaded fir borer?
Highly variable; elytra with various sizes/patterns of yellow maculation, or they may be immaculate.
Where is flatheaded fir borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coniferous forests |
| Range | w. NA; AK-CA, coast to coast in the north) [cite:208645,111; MacRae & Westcott 2012] |
What does flatheaded fir borer eat?
The diet of the flatheaded fir borer includes See MacRae & Westcott 2012.