Ribbed Pine Borer
Rhagium inquisitor
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Cerambycidae
- Subfamily: Lepturinae
- Tribe: Rhagiini
- Genus: Rhagium
- Species: inquisitor
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhagium inquisitor: //ˈræɡiəm ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɔr//
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Summary
Rhagium inquisitor, known as the ribbed pine borer, is a species of longhorn beetle that is recognized for its wood-boring larvae which affect various tree species. It is predominantly found in the Holarctic region and is a recognized pest, especially in forest ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics
12-15 mm long; body is black or brownish and shiny; elytrae are yellowish, covered with grayish pubescence, with 2 black bands across and several yellow or black spots; pronotum has a spine on each side; antennae are twice shorter than the body.
Identification Tips
Look for the shiny black or brown body and the distinct yellowish elytrae with black bands and spots.
Habitat
Prefers forests, especially areas with recently dead or cut trees.
Distribution
Widespread in the Holarctic, mostly east of the Mississippi River and in the Pacific Northwest; original range includes Europe, Siberia, the Caucasian mountains, and northern Asia.
Diet
Larvae feed on the wood of pine, spruce, larch, birch, and oak trees.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid in early spring in bark crevices of recently dead or cut trees. Larvae excavate irregular galleries in the wood beneath the bark and require moist conditions. They pupate in oval, fibrous-edged cells and overwinter as adults.
Reproduction
Eggs are deposited in crevices in dead or dying trees. The life cycle begins in spring with egg laying, followed by larval feeding, pupation, and overwintering as adults.
Ecosystem Role
Considered a forest pest due to its wood-boring larvae.
Economic Impact
Can cause damage to timber trees, making it an economic concern in forest management.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping
- Visual inspection of infested wood
- Bark peeling to find larvae
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Mounting specimens
- Preservatives in alcohol
Misconceptions
Often confused with other similar beetle species; notable for its economic impact as a pest.
Tags
- beetle
- longhorn beetle
- forest pest
- Holarctic
- Rhagium inquisitor