Peach Bark Beetle
Phloeotribus liminaris
This record describes Phloeotribus liminaris (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.NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Prunus (Rosaceae), Maclura (Moraceae)
Life History
Originally falsely accused of causing the disease known as "yellows" on peaches, this species is now known to attack only dying peach and allied trees. It runs transverse galleries in the inner bark, two diverging from a common entrance chamber, in which many eggs are laid at close intervals. The grubs expand the channels at right angles. Adults hibernate in the outer bark of living trees.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phloeotribus liminaris (Harris 1852)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phloeotribus liminaris. 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 Peach Bark Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess , Fyn Kynd
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Bark Beetle
Where is Peach Bark Beetle found?
Range: e.NA
What does Peach Bark Beetle eat?
The diet of the Peach Bark Beetle includes on Prunus (Rosaceae), Maclura (Moraceae).
What is the life cycle of a Peach Bark Beetle?
Originally falsely accused of causing the disease known as yellows on peaches, this species is now known to attack only dying peach and allied trees. It runs transverse galleries in the inner bark, two diverging from a common entrance chamber, in which many eggs are laid at close intervals. The grubs expand the channels at right angles. Adults hibernate in the outer bark of living trees.