Cypress Bark Borer
Physocnemum andreae
This record describes Physocnemum andreae (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Callidiini
- Genus
- Physocnemum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Atlantic Coast (ON-QC-FL) - only one FL spmn seen
Diet and Behavior
Diet: in cypress ( Taxodium , Cupressaceae) ( 3 )
Life History
Overwinter in the larval stage, pupation occurs in spring ( 4 ) Eggs are deposited beneath bark scales and the larvae feed beneath the bark, excavating large mines that deeply scar the wood. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Physocnemum andreae (Haldeman)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physocnemum andreae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cypress Bark Borer
How big is Cypress Bark Borer?
17-21 mm
Where is Cypress Bark Borer found?
Range: Atlantic Coast (ON-QC-FL) - only one FL spmn seen
What does Cypress Bark Borer eat?
The diet of the Cypress Bark Borer includes in cypress ( Taxodium , Cupressaceae) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Cypress Bark Borer?
Overwinter in the larval stage, pupation occurs in spring ( 4 ) Eggs are deposited beneath bark scales and the larvae feed beneath the bark, excavating large mines that deeply scar the wood. ( 4 )