Arhopalus productus
(LeConte, 1850)
New House Borer
Arhopalus productus is a in the , commonly known as the New House Borer. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The is attracted to fire and has been observed at night near campfires and on recently dead coniferous trees. It is distributed across western North America, including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, and extends into the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Arhopalus productus: /ɑrˈhɒpələs proʊˈdʌktəs/
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Habitat
Coniferous forests; associated with recently dead or dying pines, particularly ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). have been observed on standing dead trees and recently wind-thrown branches.
Distribution
Western North America: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) and the United States. Records extend from the southwestern U.S. (Arizona, Utah) northward through the Rocky Mountain region.
Seasonality
have been observed in late June and early July. activity noted, with individuals attracted to artificial light sources and campfires after dark.
Host Associations
- Pinus ponderosa - breeding observed on standing dead and recently fallen trees; larval development in dead wood
Behavior
. are attracted to fire and artificial light sources. Multiple individuals have been observed crawling on the ground toward campfires and on tree trunks at night.
Ecological Role
; contributes to in coniferous forests through larval feeding on dead pine wood.
Human Relevance
Occasional pest of structural timber; 'New House Borer' suggests association with wooden structures. attracted to campfires may be a nuisance to campers.
Similar Taxa
- Arhopalus montanusBoth in Arhopalus, found under loose bark on dead Pinus edulis; A. montanus distinguished by distribution and preferences in pinyon pine woodlands
More Details
Field observations
Observed at night near campfires in ponderosa pine/Gambel oak forest in Leeds Canyon, Utah. Multiple individuals attracted to fire over a half-hour period. Also found on trunk of large standing dead Pinus ponderosa at night, alongside Tetropium sp., Trogossitidae, and .