Xyleborinus saxesenii
This record describes Xyleborinus saxesenii (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (2 to 2.4 mm), dark brown beetle with hairy elytra. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. Records we are aware of date between May and December. All the ambrosia beetles bore into sapwood, and some, including Xyleborus saxesini bore into the heartwood. The adults bore into the woody tissues of the host plant and feed mainly on the ambrosial fungus that covers the walls of the tunnel system. They breed in all sizes of host material of both coniferous and deciduous forest and ornamental trees. Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Xyleborini
- Genus
- Xyleborinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Records we are aware of date between May and December.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
All the ambrosia beetles bore into sapwood, and some, including Xyleborus saxesini bore into the heartwood. The adults bore into the woody tissues of the host plant and feed mainly on the ambrosial fungus that covers the walls of the tunnel system. They breed in all sizes of host material of both coniferous and deciduous forest and ornamental trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xyleborinus saxesenii. 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 Xyleborinus saxesenii
What is Xyleborinus saxesenii?
Xyleborinus saxesenii is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Xyleborinus saxesenii found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas.
When is Xyleborinus saxesenii active?
Xyleborinus saxesenii: seasonal activity - Records we are aware of date between May and December..
What is the life cycle of a Xyleborinus saxesenii?
All the ambrosia beetles bore into sapwood, and some, including Xyleborus saxesini bore into the heartwood. The adults bore into the woody tissues of the host plant and feed mainly on the ambrosial fungus that covers the walls of the tunnel system. They breed in all sizes of host material of both coniferous and deciduous forest and ornamental trees.