Phloeosinus dentatus
This record describes Phloeosinus dentatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In North Carolina, working with the fungus Fomes angosus they can kill trees of all sizes. Working alone, they do not. ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Phloeosinini
- Genus
- Phloeosinus (Cedar Bark Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (ON-NH-FL to SD-TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Juniperus virginiana (Cupressaceae) Eastern red cedar and Atlantic white cedar
Life History
Eggs are laid in short galleries that extend upward from the entrance hole. The larvae mine for short distances across the grain, then upward with the grain ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phloeosinus dentatus (Say 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phloeosinus dentatus. 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 Phloeosinus dentatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Phloeosinus dentatus
What is Phloeosinus dentatus?
Phloeosinus dentatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phloeosinus dentatus?
1.8-2.8 mm
Where is Phloeosinus dentatus found?
Range: e NA (ON-NH-FL to SD-TX) - Map
What does Phloeosinus dentatus eat?
The diet of the Phloeosinus dentatus includes host: Juniperus virginiana (Cupressaceae) Eastern red cedar and Atlantic white cedar.
What is the life cycle of a Phloeosinus dentatus?
Eggs are laid in short galleries that extend upward from the entrance hole. The larvae mine for short distances across the grain, then upward with the grain ( 4 )