Phloeosinus dentatus

(Say, 1826)

eastern juniper bark beetle, crenulate bark beetle

Phloeosinus dentatus is a bark beetle (Scolytinae) in the weevil Curculionidae, commonly known as the eastern juniper bark beetle. It is native to North America and primarily associated with red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). The serves as an important alternate for hymenopterous that also attack economically significant bark beetles, including the southern pine beetle and Ips spp.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phloeosinus dentatus: /ˌflioʊəˈsaɪnəs dɛnˈteɪtəs/

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Identification

Member of the crenulate bark beetle group ( Phloeosinus); specific diagnostic features for this require examination of morphological characters not detailed in available sources. As a scolytine bark beetle, it possesses the characteristic compact body form and clubbed typical of the .

Habitat

Associated with red cedar (Juniperus virginiana); inhabits logs and woody material of this plant.

Distribution

North America; present in eastern North America including Ontario, Canada and the eastern United States. Records from Georgia, USA in research contexts.

Host Associations

Behavior

Infests red cedar logs and woody material. Attracts hymenopterous to infested material. Serves as alternate host for parasitoid when primary hosts (southern pine beetle, Ips spp.) are at low densities.

Ecological Role

Alternate for bark beetle ; may support parasitoid that contribute to biological regulation of economically important bark beetle .

Human Relevance

Potential indirect economic significance through its role in maintaining that could suppress southern pine beetle and Ips bark beetle .

Similar Taxa

  • Phloeosinus speciescongeneric bark beetles with similar and ; precise identification requires detailed examination
  • Dendroctonus frontalisshares fauna; distinguished by different primary associations and typically more damaging dynamics
  • Ips spp.shares fauna; distinguished by gallery patterns and preferences

Tags

Sources and further reading