Xyloterinus politus
This record describes Xyloterinus politus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Xyloterini
- Genus
- Xyloterinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US, PNW
Diet and Behavior
Life History
asso. w/ var. hardwood trees Breeds in injured, dying, and recently cut trees and limbs The galleries of this species differ from other ambrosia beetles because they fork and branch secondarily. They also have 4 rows of larval cradles, 2 above and 2 below the gallery.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xyloterinus politus (Say 1826)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xyloterinus politus. 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 Xyloterinus politus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess