Hickory Bark Beetle
Scolytus quadrispinosus
This record describes Scolytus quadrispinosus (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
- Scolytini
- Genus
- Scolytus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (TX-FL-QC-MN)
Seasonal Activity
adults May-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: hickory ( Carya )
Life History
Two generations per year in the south; one generation in the north Adults appear in early summer before constructing egg galleries in the bark of the trunk. These galleries are short and in thick-barked trees, they scarcely touch the wood. Eggs are deposited in pockets at each side of the gallery. The larvae feed in the phloem then bore into the bark and construct pupation cells. Overwinter as larvae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scolytus quadrispinosus Say 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scolytus quadrispinosus. 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 Hickory Bark Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Bark Beetle
How big is Hickory Bark Beetle?
adult 3-5 mm, larva 5-8 mm
Where is Hickory Bark Beetle found?
Range: e NA (TX-FL-QC-MN)
What does Hickory Bark Beetle eat?
The diet of the Hickory Bark Beetle includes host: hickory ( Carya ).
When is Hickory Bark Beetle active?
Hickory Bark Beetle: seasonal activity - adults May-Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Hickory Bark Beetle?
Two generations per year in the south; one generation in the north Adults appear in early summer before constructing egg galleries in the bark of the trunk. These galleries are short and in thick-barked trees, they scarcely touch the wood. Eggs are deposited in pockets at each side of the gallery. The larvae feed in the phloem then bore into the bark and construct pupation cells. Overwinter as larvae