Hylesinus

Fabricius, J.C., 1802

crenulate bark beetles

Species Guides

Hylesinus aculeatus(eastern ash bark beetle)
Hylesinus californicus(western ash bark beetle)
Hylesinus criddlei(crenulate bark beetle)
Hylesinus fasciatus(crenulate bark beetle)
Hylesinus mexicanus
Hylesinus pruinosus

Hylesinus is a of bark beetles in the Curculionidae comprising more than 180 described . Members are commonly known as crenulate bark beetles and are primarily associated with woody plants, particularly ash (Fraxinus) and pistachio (Pistacia). Several species have been studied as pests of economic or ornamental importance.

Hylesinus by (c) Barry Walter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Walter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Hylesinus mandshuricus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hylesinus: /haɪˈliːsɪnəs/

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Images

Habitat

Associated with bark and phloem of woody trees; larvae develop in galleries under bark; may overwinter at tree bases or in protected locations.

Distribution

Recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland), North America (United States, Canada), and western Asia (Iraq).

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by ; of Hylesinus californicus emerge from sites mid-April to mid-May, with new adults appearing late July; Hylesinus vistitus adults present year-round in Iraq with spring attack on new twigs.

Diet

Phloem of trees; Hylesinus californicus feeds on Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Hylesinus vistitus on Pistacia vera, and Hylesinus crenatus on Fraxinus excelsior.

Host Associations

Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. subintergerrima - green ash
Fraxinus excelsior - European ash
Pistacia vera - pistachio
Rhaphitelus maculatus - Pteromalidae , most abundant of H. californicus
Bursaphelenchus crenati - associated organism isolated from larval galleries and of H. crenatus

Life Cycle

Hylesinus californicus: with obligatory ; late April, three larval instars, pupae mid-July, new adults late July. Hylesinus vistitus: univoltine; eggs under bark November-December, hatch in 10-12 days, larvae January-March, March 26-31.

Behavior

walk or fly to tree crowns after spring to feed, mate, and oviposit. Pre- adults may feed in fresh phloem of healthy branches for several weeks before migrating to overwintering sites at tree bases by , dropping, or flying.

Ecological Role

Bark beetles that tunnel in phloem of living or dying trees; some function as pests of economic importance. Natural enemies include hymenopteran and organisms. Serve as for associated organisms including .

Human Relevance

Some are significant pests: Hylesinus californicus damages green ash in North America, Hylesinus vistitus affects pistachio production in Iraq. Management strategies include maintaining tree health, removing infested material, trap trees, and application.