Ash and Privet Borer
Tylonotus bimaculatus
This record describes Tylonotus bimaculatus (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
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Hesperophanini
- Genus
- Tylonotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA to AZ (QC-FL to MB-AZ)
Seasonal Activity
mostly June-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Live or dying hardwoods, especially ash and privet , but also Ulmus, Carya, Juglans spp. and Betula
Life History
Eggs are laid at the base of privet plants and beneath bark scales of ash trees during the early summer. Young larvae feed in the phloem, later penetrating deeper and scarring the wood. Large branches of ash are usually attacked and killed before the trunk is attached. ( 4 ) The larval stage is 2 years ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tylonotus bimaculatus Haldeman 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tylonotus bimaculatus. 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 Ash and Privet Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Ash and Privet Borer
How big is Ash and Privet Borer?
9-18 mm
Where is Ash and Privet Borer found?
Range: e NA to AZ (QC-FL to MB-AZ)
What does Ash and Privet Borer eat?
The diet of the Ash and Privet Borer includes Live or dying hardwoods, especially ash and privet , but also Ulmus, Carya, Juglans spp. and Betula.
When is Ash and Privet Borer active?
Ash and Privet Borer: seasonal activity - mostly June-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Ash and Privet Borer?
Eggs are laid at the base of privet plants and beneath bark scales of ash trees during the early summer. Young larvae feed in the phloem, later penetrating deeper and scarring the wood. Large branches of ash are usually attacked and killed before the trunk is attached. ( 4 ) The larval stage is 2 years ( 4 )