Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
Xyleborus glabratus
This record describes Xyleborus glabratus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are flightless earliest record in our area: GA 2002
Identification notes
Males are flightless
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
- Xyleborus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to SE Asia, adventive in our area (NC-FL-TX, AR)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unlike other ambrosia beetles it feeds on live, healthy trees. Hosts in the native range: Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae
Life History
causes laurel wilt
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff 1877
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xyleborus glabratus. 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 Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
What is Redbay Ambrosia Beetle?
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Redbay Ambrosia Beetle?
Females 2 mm. Males smaller
How do you identify Redbay Ambrosia Beetle?
Males are flightless
Where is Redbay Ambrosia Beetle found?
Range: native to SE Asia, adventive in our area (NC-FL-TX, AR)
What does Redbay Ambrosia Beetle eat?
The diet of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle includes Unlike other ambrosia beetles it feeds on live, healthy trees. Hosts in the native range: Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae.
What is the life cycle of a Redbay Ambrosia Beetle?
causes laurel wilt