Phloeotribus frontalis
This record describes Phloeotribus frontalis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Phloeotribini
- Genus
- Phloeotribus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NY-NE) / Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: mostly: Morus spp. (Moraceae); also: Robinia (Fabaceae), Celtis, Ulmus (Ulmaceae)
Life History
The female constructs a short transverse egg gallery between the bark and wood, consisting of 2 short-branched tunnels extending in either direction from the entrance hole and deeply engraving the wood.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phloeotribus frontalis. 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 Phloeotribus frontalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Thomas H. Atkinson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Phloeotribus frontalis
Where is Phloeotribus frontalis found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-NY-NE) / Mex.
What does Phloeotribus frontalis eat?
The diet of the Phloeotribus frontalis includes Hosts: mostly: Morus spp. (Moraceae); also: Robinia (Fabaceae), Celtis, Ulmus (Ulmaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Phloeotribus frontalis?
The female constructs a short transverse egg gallery between the bark and wood, consisting of 2 short-branched tunnels extending in either direction from the entrance hole and deeply engraving the wood.