Shothole Borer
Scolytus rugulosus
This record describes Scolytus rugulosus (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
native to, and widespread across Europe, adventive in NA (across the US)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Rosaceae
Life History
Overwinter as mature larvae or pupae in tunnels under tree bark. Adults emerge in May. Females fly to susceptible trees where they bore into cambium and lay eggs in pockets along the sides of their tunnels. Second generation adults emerge in mid-August. Depending on location, can be 2-3 generations per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: rugulosus = 'finely wrinkled'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scolytus rugulosus. 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 Shothole Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Shothole Borer
Where is Shothole Borer found?
Range: native to, and widespread across Europe, adventive in NA (across the US)
What does Shothole Borer eat?
The diet of the Shothole Borer includes hosts: various Rosaceae.
What is the life cycle of a Shothole Borer?
Overwinter as mature larvae or pupae in tunnels under tree bark. Adults emerge in May. Females fly to susceptible trees where they bore into cambium and lay eggs in pockets along the sides of their tunnels. Second generation adults emerge in mid-August. Depending on location, can be 2-3 generations per year