Arrowhead Borer
Xylotrechus sagittatus
This record describes Xylotrechus sagittatus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Reddish. Pale markings (pubescence) is mainly down midline of elytra. In some (?) specimens, there are arrowhead lines pointing towards head. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012 occasionally found w/ pseudoscorpions on hind legs:
Wikipedia reference for Xylotrechus sagittatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylotrechus_sagittatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Clytini
- Genus
- Xylotrechus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pine forests
Geographic Range
e NA to AZ (AZ-FL-ME-MB) / n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed in conifers, esp. pines ( 4 )
Life History
Adults are active on bark of damaged or fire-killed pines, including Loblolly Pine, Pinus taeda . They run so quickly they may be mistaken for crickets. Come to lights. Eggs are laid in bark and larvae feed on sapwood, then tunnel deeper, often tunneling within a single annual ring. Pupation is inside the tree and the newly-emerged adults chew their way out. Life cycle is one year in North Carolina Piedmont.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: sagittatus (L). 'an arrow'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylotrechus sagittatus. 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 Arrowhead Borer (8)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Patrick Gorring, PhD, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Patrick Gorring, PhD | (c) David Dodd, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Dodd | (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette | (c) Stott Noble, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Stott Noble | Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Boone , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrowhead Borer
What is Arrowhead Borer?
Arrowhead Borer (Xylotrechus sagittatus) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Arrowhead Borer?
12-25 mm
How do you identify Arrowhead Borer?
Reddish. Pale markings (pubescence) is mainly down midline of elytra. In some (?) specimens, there are arrowhead lines pointing towards head. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2012
Where is Arrowhead Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pine forests |
| Range | e NA to AZ (AZ-FL-ME-MB) / n. Mex. - Map |
What does Arrowhead Borer eat?
The diet of the Arrowhead Borer includes larvae feed in conifers, esp. pines ( 4 ).
When is Arrowhead Borer active?
Arrowhead Borer: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Arrowhead Borer?
Adults are active on bark of damaged or fire-killed pines, including Loblolly Pine, Pinus taeda . They run so quickly they may be mistaken for crickets. Come to lights. Eggs are laid in bark and larvae feed on sapwood, then tunnel deeper, often tunneling within a single annual ring. Pupation is inside the tree and the newly-emerged adults chew their way out. Life cycle is one year in North Carolina Piedmont.