Flat Oak Borer
Smodicum cucujiforme
This record describes Smodicum cucujiforme (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E.G. Riley, 2010 common , comes to lights ; often infests stored lumber, larvae continue to feed after the wood is in use
Identification notes
Det. E.G. Riley, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Smodicini
- Genus
- Smodicum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (so.ON-MA-FL to IA-TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dry heartwood of various hardwoods incl. oak, hickory, maple
Life History
Larval development is completed in ~1 year (up to 3 years in seasoned wood) ( 4 ) Eggs are laid in crevices of exposed wood. The larvae excavate tunnels about 3mm in diameter, tightly packing them with frass. Pupation occurs in an enlarged portion of the mine near the surface of the wood. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smodicum cucujiforme (Say 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smodicum cucujiforme. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Oak Borer
What is Flat Oak Borer?
Flat Oak Borer (Smodicum cucujiforme) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Flat Oak Borer?
7-10 mm
How do you identify Flat Oak Borer?
Det. E.G. Riley, 2010
Where is Flat Oak Borer found?
Range: e. US (so.ON-MA-FL to IA-TX) - Map
What does Flat Oak Borer eat?
The diet of the Flat Oak Borer includes Dry heartwood of various hardwoods incl. oak, hickory, maple.
What is the life cycle of a Flat Oak Borer?
Larval development is completed in ~1 year (up to 3 years in seasoned wood) ( 4 ) Eggs are laid in crevices of exposed wood. The larvae excavate tunnels about 3mm in diameter, tightly packing them with frass. Pupation occurs in an enlarged portion of the mine near the surface of the wood. ( 5 )