Bark-beetle-associate
Guides
Baconia venusta
clown beetle
Baconia venusta is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1845. The genus Baconia is renowned for brilliant coloration and bizarrely flattened body forms, with species exhibiting jewel-like metallic hues that are rare in the Histeridae family. Species in this genus are believed to be predators of wood-boring beetles and their larvae, with some attracted to bark beetle pheromones. B. venusta is one of approximately 116 species in the genus, most of which were described in a 2013 systematic revision.
Bolitophagus corticola
Bolitophagus corticola is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is associated with woody habitats, particularly bark and decaying wood. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the Canadian Maritimes through Ontario and Quebec. The genus Bolitophagus is mycophagous, feeding on fungi.
Cossonini
Cossonini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Cossoninae, family Curculionidae. The tribe contains approximately 60 described genera distributed across multiple continents. Members of this tribe are generally small to medium-sized weevils associated with wood-boring or bark-inhabiting habits. The group was established by Schönherr in 1825 and remains taxonomically active with ongoing revisions of constituent genera.
Cybocephalus nigritulus
Cybocephalus nigritulus is a minute beetle in the family Cybocephalidae, historically classified among sap, bark, and fungus beetles. The species is native to North America and is among the smallest beetles in its family, with adults measuring 1.0–1.55 mm in length. It was described by LeConte in 1863.
Dendrophagus
Dendrophagus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae, first described by Schönherr in 1809. The genus contains four recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are associated with woody habitats, reflecting their genus name derived from Greek roots meaning "tree-feeding."
Gabrius splendidulus
A predatory rove beetle in the subtribe Philonthina, Gabrius splendidulus occurs primarily in Europe and western Russia, with introduced populations in North America. The species develops in subcortical habitats, specifically within bark beetle galleries. Mature larvae have been re-described using light and scanning electron microscopy, with diagnostic characters established to distinguish them from other Philonthina genera.
Magdalis aenescens
Magdalis cf-aenescens is a small weevil in the tribe Magdalini, recognized by its metallic bronze or coppery coloration. The genus Magdalis comprises bark- and wood-associated weevils with elongated snouts and compact bodies. This species is part of a taxonomically challenging complex where identification often requires examination of genitalia or host associations. Records indicate association with woody plants, though specific host relationships for this species remain incompletely documented.
Odinia conspicua
Odinia conspicua is a small fly species in the family Odiniidae, a group of acalyptrate flies. The species was described by Curtis Sabrosky in 1959. Members of Odiniidae are associated with decaying wood and bark beetles, though specific details for this species remain limited. It is one of approximately 60 described species in the genus Odinia.
Pissodes nemorensis
Deodar weevil, Eastern pine weevil
Pissodes nemorensis is a univoltine true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the deodar weevil or eastern pine weevil. It is a significant forest pest in North America, particularly in the southeastern United States, where adults and larvae feed on phloem of coniferous trees. The species acts as a vector for pitch canker fungus (Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans) and is associated with blue stain fungi including Leptographium procerum and Ophiostoma piceae. Seasonal activity varies geographically: southern populations are primarily active in autumn and winter, while northern populations are active in spring.
Platysoma punctigerum
clown beetle
Platysoma punctigerum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species occurs in western North America and has been documented under bark of coniferous trees, particularly in association with logging operations and freshly cut pine logs. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to be a predator of other insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.