Eastern larch borer
Tetropium cinnamopterum
This record describes Tetropium cinnamopterum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Spondylidinae
- Tribe
- Asemini
- Genus
- Tetropium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coniferous forests; often at higher elevations in the southern parts of its range
Geographic Range
se. Canada, ne. US, south to OH and WV - Map
Seasonal Activity
Late May through early August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Living and dead coniferous trees, especially larch
Life History
larvae feed gregariously beneath the bark, packing frass behind them. one generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetropium cinnamopterum Kirby, 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tetropium cinnamopterum. 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 Eastern larch borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Androw; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mfdigiro , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern larch borer
Where is Eastern larch borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coniferous forests; often at higher elevations in the southern parts of its range |
| Range | se. Canada, ne. US, south to OH and WV - Map |
What does Eastern larch borer eat?
The diet of the Eastern larch borer includes Living and dead coniferous trees, especially larch.
When is Eastern larch borer active?
Eastern larch borer: seasonal activity - Late May through early August.
What is the life cycle of a Eastern larch borer?
larvae feed gregariously beneath the bark, packing frass behind them. one generation per year.