Acanthocinus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acanthocinus: /əˌkænθoʊˈsaɪnəs/

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Summary

Acanthocinus aedilis, commonly known as the timberman beetle, is a woodboring beetle belonging to the longhorn beetle family. It is noted for its significant role in timber ecology and as a pest of commercially-grown timber.

Physical Characteristics

Body length ranges from 12-20mm; males have antennae up to 3 times their body length, females up to 1.5 times.

Identification Tips

Look for longhorn characteristics and the specific body length of 12-20mm; males have notably long antennae compared to females.

Habitat

Found in woodlands, particularly within timber environments.

Distribution

Holarctic distribution, including Europe, Russia, and Central Asia; significant presence in Eurasia with a few species also found in the New World.

Diet

Larvae feed on the wood under the bark of weakened trees, particularly Scots pine and Norway spruce.

Life Cycle

Lifespan of up to 3 years, including 1-2 years in the larval stage; adults are diurnal and active from March to June.

Conservation Status

Nationally Scarce category B within Great Britain (as of 2018).

Ecosystem Role

Beneficial for nutrient cycling in forests, though larvae can facilitate the transfer of pathogenic fungi.

Economic Impact

A serious pest of commercially-grown timber in Continental Europe, weakening trees by feeding under the bark.

Cultural Significance

Known as Sarvijaakko in Finnish, Timmerboktor in Dutch, and Större Timmerman in Swedish.

Misconceptions

Some reports suggest presence in Central America, but no confirmed sightings exist as of May 2020.

Tags

• Acanthocinus
• timberman beetle
• longhorn beetle
• pest species
• woody habitat