Rhinosimus
Latreille, 1802
Species Guides
2Rhinosimus is a of narrow-waisted bark beetles in the Salpingidae. are distinguished by an elongated, flattened rostrum used for feeding and intraspecific interactions. At least one , R. viridiaeneus, has been documented feeding on the inner bark of dead alder branches.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhinosimus: /ˌraɪnoʊˈsaɪməs/
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Identification
possess a long, flattened, elongated rostrum on the —a distinctive feature among Salpingidae. The narrow-waisted body form separates this from broader-bodied .
Habitat
Dead branches of hardwood trees, specifically between the papery outer bark and the cambium layer. Documented on red alder (Alnus rubra) in coastal British Columbia.
Distribution
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (based on observational records for R. viridiaeneus). Broader distribution of the requires additional documentation.
Diet
Inner bark of dead branches, specifically documented for red alder (Alnus rubra).
Host Associations
- Alnus rubra Bong. - food sourceDead branches; inner bark consumed by and larvae
Life Cycle
Larval stage described for R. viridiaeneus; specific developmental details not provided in available sources.
Behavior
use the rostrum to insert between outer bark and cambium when feeding. The rostrum is also employed to prod or flip away intruders from occupied feeding sites.
Similar Taxa
- SalpingusCongeneric in Salpingidae; lacks the pronounced elongated rostrum characteristic of Rhinosimus.