Orthotomicus spinifer

Cognato & Vogler, 2001

Orthotomicus spinifer is a bark beetle in the Curculionidae, Scolytinae, described by Cognato & Vogler in 2001. It is a member of the Orthotomicus, which contains several species of bark beetles that infest coniferous trees. The species is known from North America and, like other members of its genus, is associated with the phloem and cambium layers of trees.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Orthotomicus spinifer: /ˌɔːr.θəˈtɒm.ɪ.kəs ˈspɪn.ɪ.fər/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Forests, particularly coniferous forests where trees are present.

Distribution

North America (present according to GBIF records).

Ecological Role

As a bark beetle, likely plays a role in forest dynamics through phloem feeding and potential contribution to tree mortality, though specific ecological impacts for this are not documented.

Human Relevance

May be of concern in forestry contexts as bark beetles can cause significant economic damage to timber resources, though specific pest status for this is not established in the provided sources.

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was formally described in 2001 by Cognato & Vogler, making it a relatively recently described species within the Orthotomicus. The genus Orthotomicus is part of the Scolytinae (bark beetles) within the weevil Curculionidae.