Xyloterinus

Swaine, 1918

Species Guides

Xyloterinus politus(Polished Bark Beetle)

Xyloterinus is a of ambrosia beetles in the Curculionidae, containing the single Xyloterinus politus. Native to eastern North America, this infests both hardwood and softwood trees, particularly recently fallen or cut timber. The species cultivates fungal gardens in wood galleries and has been extensively studied for its symbiotic relationships with yeasts and other fungi.

Xyloterinus politus by (c) Robert Roach, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Roach. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xyloterinus: //zaɪloʊtəˈraɪnəs//

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Identification

As a , Xyloterinus contains only Xyloterinus politus. The can be distinguished from other ambrosia beetles by its small size (2.3–3.5 mm), dark brown to blackish body with brown covered in yellowish bristle-like setae, and a squarish prothorax bearing spines and two to four teeth. Gallery entrance holes are approximately 1.6 mm in diameter.

Images

Habitat

Found in the wood of recently fallen, cut, or dying trees. Infests both hardwoods and softwoods including Acer, Alnus, Betula, Carya, Castanea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Picea, Pinus, Quercus, Tsuga, and Ulmus. Also occurs in stacked logs.

Distribution

Native to eastern North America, present in both Canada and the United States. GBIF records document occurrence in Vermont, USA.

Host Associations

Ipideurytoma sp. - Larval ; larvae found in cradles

Ecological Role

Ambrosia beetle that cultivates fungal gardens in wood galleries, participating in a mutualistic relationship with fungal . Associated with multiple yeast including Candida xyloterini, Candida palmyrensis, Saccharomycopsis microspora, Wickerhamomyces hampshirensis, and Candida mycetangii. Contributes to wood decomposition through fungal .

Human Relevance

Considered a pest of timber and stored logs. Attacks both hardwood and softwood of economic importance.

More Details

Fungal Symbionts

Xyloterinus politus is associated with a diverse of yeasts. Two novel yeast , Candida xyloterini and Candida palmyrensis, were first described from this . Candida xyloterini is notable for assimilating methanol as a sole carbon source.