Rhinosimus viridiaeneus
Randall, 1838
Rhinosimus viridiaeneus is a narrow-waisted bark beetle in the Salpingidae. The is known from forested regions of North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick. and larvae feed on the inner bark of dead red alder branches. The adult possesses an elongated, flattened rostrum used for both feeding and aggressive interactions with conspecifics.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhinosimus viridiaeneus: /ˌraɪnoʊˈsaɪməs vɪˌrɪdiəˈniəs/
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Identification
can be recognized by the elongated, flattened rostrum adapted for inserting beneath bark. The narrow-waisted body form distinguishes Salpingidae from other bark beetle . Specific diagnostic features separating R. viridiaeneus from are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Forested areas containing dead or dying red alder (Alnus rubra). and larvae occupy the space between papery outer bark and cambium of dead branches.
Distribution
North America: confirmed from British Columbia (Vancouver Island), New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick in Canada. The full extent of the range within North America is incompletely documented.
Diet
Inner bark of dead branches of red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.).
Host Associations
- Alnus rubra Bong. - Dead branches provide feeding substrate for both and larvae
Life Cycle
Larval stage has been described. Complete developmental sequence and duration are not documented in available sources.
Behavior
feed by inserting the rostrum between outer bark and cambium. When disturbed by conspecifics at feeding sites, adults use the rostrum to prod or flip intruders away.
Ecological Role
Contributes to decomposition of dead alder wood. Role in broader processes is not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other SalpingidaeShared narrow-waisted body form; R. viridiaeneus distinguished by association with red alder and geographic distribution where sympatric
- Scolytinae (true bark beetles)Convergent bark-feeding ; Salpingidae lack the compact cylindrical form and elytral declivity of scolytines
More Details
Larval description
The larva was described for the first time in 1981 (The Canadian Entomologist 113: 1055-1062)