Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle
Scolytus multistriatus
This record describes Scolytus multistriatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
prominent spine on abdominal segment 2 separates S. multistriatus from S. rugulosus , the only other hardwood-infesting western scolytid. ( UBC Forestry ) Their gallery is typically unbranched and runs parallel to the grain; this distinguishes from the native elm bark beetles ( Hylurgopinus rufipes ) which is a Y-shaped gallery.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Scolytini
- Genus
- Scolytus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to the New World, mostly e. NA to Calif. to Argentina / Europe (common), n. Africa, Asia, Australia - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Elms ( Ulmus spp., Ulmaceae)
Life History
Overwinter as larvae under bark ( 3 ) Adults construct galleries 1-2" in length in the inner bark, grooving the surface of the wood, parallel to the grain. Eggs are deposited in niches along the gallery sides. The larvae feed, angling away from the gallery. The form cells in the bark for pupation. ( 3 ) Life cycle in spring and summer can be completed in 35-40 days with 2 generations per year. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham 1802)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scolytus multistriatus. 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 Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , ghanley1 , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , onegunah , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle
What is Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle?
Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle?
2.2-3.0 mm
How do you identify Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle?
prominent spine on abdominal segment 2 separates S. multistriatus from S. rugulosus , the only other hardwood-infesting western scolytid. ( UBC Forestry )
Where is Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle found?
Range: adventive to the New World, mostly e. NA to Calif. to Argentina / Europe (common), n. Africa, Asia, Australia - Map
What does Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle eat?
The diet of the Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle includes Elms ( Ulmus spp., Ulmaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle?
Overwinter as larvae under bark ( 3 ) Adults construct galleries 1-2" in length in the inner bark, grooving the surface of the wood, parallel to the grain. Eggs are deposited in niches along the gallery sides. The larvae feed, angling away from the gallery. The form cells in the bark for pupation. ( 3 ) Life cycle in spring and summer can be completed in 35-40 days with 2 generations per year. ( 3 )