Hylurgopinus

Hylurgopinus rufipes is distinguished from other elm bark beetles by its small size (2.34–2.9 mm), brownish-red coloration, and association with native North American elm species. It may be separated from the introduced smaller European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) by morphological examination, though definitive identification typically requires specialist taxonomic review.

Bark galleries in American elm (Ulmus americana) and other elm species; specifically dying, recently dead, or moribund trees with soft, moist bark. Overwintering adults concentrate in the lower trunk, particularly within 25 cm of the ground.

Canada and the United States. Records include Massachusetts, Minnesota, Manitoba, Vermont, and North Dakota.

Adults emerge in spring when elm bark becomes soft and moist. Two generations per year in Massachusetts, with second brood emerging July–August. Adults of the second generation overwinter in galleries.

Larvae feed on phloem and outer sapwood of American elm. Adults do not feed extensively on woody tissue.

• Ulmus americana - primary hostAmerican elm; principal host for reproduction and larval development
• Ulmus - host genusElm species generally

Females construct egg galleries under bark and deposit eggs in niches along gallery walls. Larvae develop in phloem and outer sapwood. Development from egg to adult requires 6–8 weeks. Two generations per year in Massachusetts; adults of the second generation overwinter in bark galleries.

Overwintered adults are attracted to broodwood (moribund or recently cut elm) in spring, while summer-emergent adults are attracted to healthy elm. Attacks on broodwood occur primarily during evening flights. Females initiate gallery construction. Males produce distinctive stridulatory signals: simple multipulse chirps, stress and rivalry chirps, and bimodal premating stridulation at gallery sites. Males become motionless before attractive female galleries and may contest resident males briefly after arrival. Females do not stridulate. A beetle-produced sex pheromone may facilitate male-female pairing on broodwood.

Primary vector of Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi complex) in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and North Dakota. Contributes to decline and mortality of native elm populations through disease transmission and direct phloem feeding by larvae.

Significant forest pest as vector of Dutch elm disease, which has devastated American elm populations across North America. Management measures include application of residual insecticides to lower tree trunks where adults overwinter.

• Scolytus multistriatusIntroduced smaller European elm bark beetle; also vectors Dutch elm disease. Distinguished by morphological features and geographic origin (European vs. native North American).
• Scolytus schevyrewiBanded elm bark beetle; larger, with distinct banding pattern, and associated with different geographic regions and host preferences.

• bark beetle
• Dutch elm disease vector
• monotypic genus
• forest pest
• Scolytinae
• North American native

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Hylurgopinus rufipes . [Distribution map].
• Field Notes on the Life History of Hylurgopinus rufipes (Eich.)
• STRIDULATION AND ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOR OF THE NATIVE ELM BARK BEETLEHYLURGOPINUS RUFIPES(EICHHOFF) (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE)
• HYLURGOPINUS RUFIPES (EICHHOFF) (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE): ATTRACTION TO BROODWOOD, HOST COLONIZATION BEHAVIOR, AND SEASONAL ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
• Distribution and survival of overwintering adults of the Dutch elm disease vector, Hylurgopinus rufipes (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), in American elm trees in Manitoba