Scolytus piceae
This record describes Scolytus piceae (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
easily confused with S. multistriatus but in that species the tubercle on the vertical sternites touches the edge of sternite one, where this species has the tubercle centered on the sternite. The burrows differ from other eastern species by consisting of 2 and sometimes 3 egg galleries extending longitudinally from a central nuptial chamber. Broken limbs and tops are preferred for breeding purposes.
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
across the north
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scolytus piceae (Swaine 1910)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scolytus piceae. 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 Scolytus piceae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , mfdigiro , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Scolytus piceae
What is Scolytus piceae?
Scolytus piceae is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Scolytus piceae?
easily confused with S. multistriatus but in that species the tubercle on the vertical sternites touches the edge of sternite one, where this species has the tubercle centered on the sternite.
Where is Scolytus piceae found?
Range: across the north