Tanbark Borer
Phymatodes testaceus
This record describes Phymatodes testaceus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 13mm. Very variable in colour from golden brown, through reddish to a deep blue-black. A common form has the thorax reddish and the elytra deep blue. The adults are active nocturnally and will come to light but are rarely seen otherwise under normal circumstances. Eggs are laid under the bark of standing dead timber or recently cut trunks with oak being the main host, although several other species are used. A local species across southern England and Wales to Nottingham and with single records from south Yorkshire and north Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Callidiini
- Genus
- Phymatodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adults are active nocturnally and will come to light but are rarely seen otherwise under normal circumstances.
Seasonal Activity
May to July is the peak time.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs are laid under the bark of standing dead timber or recently cut trunks with oak being the main host, although several other species are used.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species across southern England and Wales to Nottingham and with single records from south Yorkshire and north Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phymatodes testaceus. 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 Tanbark Borer (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanbark Borer
What is Tanbark Borer?
Tanbark Borer (Phymatodes testaceus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tanbark Borer?
8 to 13mm. Very variable in colour from golden brown, through reddish to a deep blue-black. A common form has the thorax reddish and the elytra deep blue.
Where is Tanbark Borer found?
Habitat: The adults are active nocturnally and will come to light but are rarely seen otherwise under normal circumstances.
When is Tanbark Borer active?
Tanbark Borer: seasonal activity - May to July is the peak time..
What is the life cycle of a Tanbark Borer?
Eggs are laid under the bark of standing dead timber or recently cut trunks with oak being the main host, although several other species are used.