Pityoborus comatus
This record describes Pityoborus comatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pityoborus comatus (Pityoborus comatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as snout and bark beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Scolytinae, tribe Corthylini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Curculionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Pityoborus. Size: 1.8mm long.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Corthylini
- Genus
- Pityoborus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern states but most common in Mississippi
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pines: shortleaf, loblolly, longleaf, and slash
Life History
This beetle breeds under the bark. Egg galleries radiate in any direction, deeply engraving the wood. The larvae construct wide, short, connecting galleries.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pityoborus comatus. 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 Pityoborus comatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Pityoborus comatus
What is Pityoborus comatus?
Pityoborus comatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pityoborus comatus?
1.8mm long
Where is Pityoborus comatus found?
Range: Southeastern states but most common in Mississippi
What does Pityoborus comatus eat?
The diet of the Pityoborus comatus includes Pines: shortleaf, loblolly, longleaf, and slash.
What is the life cycle of a Pityoborus comatus?
This beetle breeds under the bark. Egg galleries radiate in any direction, deeply engraving the wood. The larvae construct wide, short, connecting galleries.