Wood-boring-beetle
Guides
Ornithia mexicana
Ornithia mexicana is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Sturm in 1843. It belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Dryobiini. The species occurs in Middle and North America, with documented presence in Costa Rica and Guatemala. As a member of the Cerambycidae, it is a wood-boring beetle whose larvae likely develop in dead or dying wood.
Orthotomicus caelatus
Carving Bark Beetle
Orthotomicus caelatus is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, described by Wood and Bright in 1992. Like other members of the genus Orthotomicus, it is a wood-boring beetle associated with coniferous trees. The species has been documented in North America and Africa, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited. Its common name, "Carving Bark Beetle," reflects its feeding behavior beneath tree bark.
Orthotomicus latidens
Wide-toothed Bark Weevil
Orthotomicus latidens is a bark beetle species in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. The species was described in 2001 and is known from North and Middle America. Like other scolytines, it is associated with wood-boring habits, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Paranoplium gracile gracile
Paranoplium gracile gracile is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Oemini. Originally described by LeConte in 1881, it is currently treated as a synonym in modern taxonomic databases. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States. As a cerambycid, it belongs to a diverse family of wood-boring beetles, though specific biological details for this subspecies remain poorly documented.
Paratyndaris acaciae
Paratyndaris acaciae is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris) within the genus Paratyndaris. The species is found in Central America and North America, with the specific epithet suggesting an association with Acacia host plants. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with woody leguminous plants and is typically collected by beating dead or dying branches.
Paratyndaris coursetiae
Paratyndaris coursetiae is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, subfamily Polycestinae. It was described by Fisher in 1919 and belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris). The genus Paratyndaris is primarily distributed in southwestern North America and Mexico, with most species associated with woody host plants.
Paratyndaris tucsoni
Paratyndaris tucsoni is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. It was described by Knull in 1938 and belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris) Fisher. The genus Paratyndaris is a southwestern and Mexican group of beetles that are often poorly represented in collections. A 2004 revision by Nelson & Bellamy recognized three subgenera within Paratyndaris and provided comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the genus.
Petalium alaseriatum
Petalium alaseriatum is a species of small beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), described by Ford in 1973. It belongs to a genus of deathwatch beetles and spider beetles known for wood-boring or stored-product associations. The species is recorded from North America with very few documented observations.
Petalium californicum
Petalium californicum is a species of beetle in the family Anobiidae (formerly placed in Ptinidae). It is a small wood-boring beetle native to western North America. The species was described by Henry Clinton Fall in 1905 based on specimens from California.
Phaenops californica
California Flat-Headed Borer
Phaenops californica is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the California flat-headed borer. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1918. It is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records including British Columbia, Canada. As a member of the genus Phaenops, it belongs to a group of jewel beetles associated with coniferous hosts.
Phaenops drummondi
flatheaded fir borer, Drummond's Flathead Fir Borer
Phaenops drummondi is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the flatheaded fir borer. The species was originally described as Buprestis drummondi by Kirby in 1837 and later transferred to the genus Phaenops. A nomenclatural revision in 2012 formally synonymized Melanophila drummondi ab. nicolayi under this species. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Labrador, and Manitoba.
Phaenops fulvoguttata
Hemlock Borer
Phaenops fulvoguttata, commonly known as the hemlock borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded across Canada from British Columbia to Labrador, including Alberta and Manitoba. The species is associated with coniferous trees, particularly hemlock (Tsuga spp.), and belongs to a genus of jewel beetles that develop in the wood of pines and related conifers.
Phymatodes aereus
Phymatodes aereus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Newman in 1838. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Phymatodes, which is most diverse in western North America but includes several eastern representatives. Like other members of the tribe Callidiini, adults are typically associated with dead or dying woody vegetation.
Phymatodes decussatus
Phymatodes decussatus is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) originally described by LeConte in 1857. The species has undergone significant nomenclatural revision: the name P. decussatus was historically misapplied to a common oak-associated species now correctly called P. obliquus, while the true P. decussatus was previously known as P. juglandis. The species is associated with walnut (Juglans) rather than oak. A single subspecies, P. decussatus posticus, occurs in western North America and Mexico.
Phymatodes nigrescens
Phymatodes nigrescens is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Hardy & Preece in 1927. The species was previously known under the synonym Phymatodes oregonensis, which was synonymized under P. nigrescens by Swift & Ray in 2010 based on examination of type specimens. It is one of 26 currently recognized species in the genus Phymatodes in North America.
Physocnemum andreae
Cypress Bark Borer
Physocnemum andreae, commonly known as the cypress bark borer, is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Native to eastern North America, the species is classified as uncommon. Adults are associated with cypress trees, as indicated by both its common name and the ecological patterns observed in related species within the genus. The species was first described by Haldeman in 1847.
Pityophthorus consimilis
Pityophthorus consimilis is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Pityophthorus, it is a small, wood-boring beetle that colonizes tree phloem. Detailed ecological studies specific to this species are limited in the available literature.
Pityophthorus liquidambarus
Pityophthorus liquidambarus is a bark beetle species in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Blackman in 1921. It belongs to the genus Pityophthorus, a group of small ambrosia beetles primarily associated with woody plants. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species compared to its congener Pityophthorus juglandis, which has been extensively studied as the vector of thousand cankers disease in walnuts.
Platybregmus canadensis
Platybregmus canadensis is a small beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly placed in Anobiidae), described by Fisher in 1934. It is one of few species in the genus Platybregmus and has been documented in eastern Canada. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with wood or stored products, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Poecilonota bridwelli
Poecilonota bridwelli is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1918 and occurs in Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus whose members are primarily associated with Salicaceae (poplars and willows).
Poecilonota cyanipes
eastern poplar buprestid, eastern poplar jewel beetle
Poecilonota cyanipes is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the eastern poplar buprestid or eastern poplar jewel beetle. The species is found throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are associated exclusively with Populus and Salix species, where larvae develop in dead or dying branches. The specific epithet 'cyanipes' refers to the blue coloration of the feet. Despite being described as the best-known and most commonly collected American species of Poecilonota, field encounters can be infrequent and unpredictable, with abundance varying significantly based on timing and host plant condition.
Poecilonota salixi
Poecilonota salixi is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Chamberlin in 1925. It belongs to a genus whose members are primarily associated with willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus) hosts. The species occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain limited in available sources.
Pogonocherus pictus
Pogonocherus pictus is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Fall in 1910. The species is known from Canada and the United States, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec. As a member of the subfamily Lamiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of wood-boring beetles, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Poliaenus negundo
Poliaenus negundo is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1905. The species is known from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Pogonocherini, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with woody plants. Information regarding its biology, host associations, and specific habitat requirements remains limited in published literature.
Polycesta arizonica
Sky Island Polycesta
Polycesta arizonica is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Sky Island Polycesta. It belongs to the subgenus Polycesta (Arizonica) and is found in the Sky Islands region of southeastern Arizona. The species is associated with oak-juniper woodland habitats at moderate elevations.
Polycesta aruensis
Desert-dwelling Polycesta
Polycesta aruensis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. It is found in desert regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Adults have been observed on flowers and associated with partially dead trees, where they likely develop as larvae in the wood. The species exhibits synchronized emergence events that can produce temporary aggregations of adults.
Polycesta elata
Southern Plains Polycesta
Polycesta elata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America, with records from Texas and surrounding regions. The species develops in dead or dying hardwoods, particularly sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light.
Priobium carpini
death-watch beetle
Priobium carpini is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Ptinidae, first described by Herbst in 1793. It is native to Europe and northern Asia (excluding China) and has been introduced to North America. The species is associated with wood-boring habits typical of the family. It is one of approximately 72 documented observations on iNaturalist.
Priobium punctatum
Priobium punctatum is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Ptinidae. It was described by LeConte in 1859. The species is known from North America. It belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with wood-boring habits, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Procryphalus utahensis
Procryphalus utahensis is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. It was described by Hopkins in 1915 and is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Québec) and the United States (Alaska). Like other bark beetles, it likely develops in the phloem of woody plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Pronocera collaris collaris
Pronocera collaris collaris is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Callidiini. It is currently considered a synonym of Pronocera collaris. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Cerambycinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of wood-boring beetles, though specific biological details for this subspecies remain poorly documented.
Prostephanus punctatus
horned powder-post beetle
Prostephanus punctatus is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from Canada (Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. The genus Prostephanus includes other species known for their association with stored products and wood-boring habits, though specific ecological details for P. punctatus remain limited in published literature.
Psenocerus supernotatus
Currant-tip Borer
Psenocerus supernotatus, commonly known as the Currant-tip Borer, is a small longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) notable for its remarkable ant-mimicry. At only 4 millimeters in length, it is the sole species in the genus Psenocerus. The beetle exhibits Batesian mimicry, with white markings on its elytra creating the illusion of a constricted "waist" that resembles ant body segmentation. Despite its common name suggesting currant as a host, it has been reared from multiple hardwood species including Green Hawthorn, Tulip Tree, and Black Willow.
Pseudastylopsis nebulosus
Pseudastylopsis nebulosus is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. It belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae (flat-faced longhorns) and tribe Acanthocinini. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a wood-boring beetle with larvae that develop in dead or dying wood.
Pseudohylesinus grandis
Pseudohylesinus grandis is a bark beetle (Curculionidae, formerly Scolytidae) associated with western hemlock forests of coastal North America. It completes one generation annually with two broods and four larval instars, overwintering as a teneral adult. The species exhibits distinct breeding habitat preferences, utilizing fresh slash in thinned stands rather than stumps. Adult females engage in pre-oviposition feeding on the inner bark of standing live host trees before constructing egg galleries in slash material.
Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus
Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. It was described by Wood & Bright in 1992 and is known from North America and Middle America. The species has been documented in association with nematodes, though the nature of this relationship remains unspecified in available literature. As a member of the tribe Xyleborini, it belongs to a group of ambrosia beetles that typically cultivate fungal gardens within wood galleries.
Pseudothysanoes
Pseudothysanoes is a genus of bark beetles (Scolytinae) within the family Curculionidae. The genus contains more than 100 described species and was established by Blackman in 1920. Species in this genus have been documented in the Northwestern Himalayan region, including the first South Asian record from Jammu and Kashmir. As bark beetles, members of this genus are associated with woody plants, though specific ecological details remain limited for most species.
Psoa maculata
horned powder-post beetle
Psoa maculata is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It is native to North America. As a member of the Bostrichidae, it is likely associated with wood-boring habits, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Psyrassa pertenuis
Psyrassa pertenuis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Elaphidiini. It was described by Casey in 1924. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. It is one of many Psyrassa species, a genus of small to medium-sized cerambycids typically associated with woody vegetation.
Ptilinus ruficornis
Ptilinus ruficornis is a species of deathwatch beetle in the family Ptinidae. It has been recorded in both North America and Europe, with confirmed distribution records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species is represented by 47 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of Ptinidae, it is likely associated with wood-boring habits typical of the family, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Purpuricenus paraxillaris
White Oak Branch Girdler
Purpuricenus paraxillaris is a large, showy longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Ted C. MacRae in 2000 from specimens collected in Missouri. It was the first new species discovered by the author using fermenting bait traps. The species closely resembles P. axillaris but is larger and more robust, with reddish rather than pale orange elytral markings, more developed pronotal tubercles with polished apical lines, and distinctly dentate elytral apices. It is attracted to fermenting baits and has been documented across the eastern United States.
Salebriaria equivoca
Salebriaria equivoca is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Anobiidae. It belongs to a genus of small, wood-boring beetles found in North America. Like other anobiids, larvae develop in dead or decaying wood, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The species is part of the subfamily Ernobiinae, which includes beetles associated with hardwood substrates.
Saperda fayi
Thorn-limb Borer
Saperda fayi is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Bland in 1863. It belongs to the genus Saperda, a group of medium-sized cerambycids commonly associated with woody plants. The species is known from Canada and the United States, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Two infraspecific varieties have been described: var. shoemakeri and var. immaculipennis. As a member of the Lamiinae subfamily, it likely develops as a larva in living or recently dead woody tissue.
Saperda horni
Saperda horni is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Joutel in 1902. It is known from Canada and the United States. The species name is frequently misspelled as "hornii" in literature and databases. Taxonomic authorities currently treat Saperda horni as a synonym of Saperda hornii Monné & Giesbert, 1994, though the original spelling horni has priority. The species belongs to the genus Saperda, which includes wood-boring beetles that typically attack stressed or weakened trees.
Saperda inornata
Poplar-gall Saperda
Saperda inornata is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America, closely associated with trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) throughout its life cycle. Larvae develop within living aspen trees, tunneling through wood and inner bark, while adults feed on bark and other tree tissues. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1824 and occurs across Canada and the United States. It has been observed in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in Canada, as well as the northern United States.
Saperda moesta tulari
Saperda moesta tulari is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. Described by Joutel in 1904, this taxon is currently recognized as an accepted subspecies of Saperda moesta. The subspecies belongs to a genus of flat-faced longhorns known for their association with woody host plants. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada and the conterminous United States.
Sarosesthes
Sarosesthes is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing a single described species, Sarosesthes fulminans. The genus is classified within the tribe Clytini, a group known for wood-boring larvae and often striking adult coloration. The sole species has been documented in eastern North America, where adults have been collected using fermenting bait traps and ultraviolet light traps.
Scobicia bidentata
horned powder-post beetle
Scobicia bidentata is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, first described by Horn in 1878. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it is associated with wood-boring habits. The specific epithet "bidentata" refers to a two-toothed characteristic, likely describing a morphological feature of the species.
Scobicia chevrieri
horned powder-post beetle
Scobicia chevrieri is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Adults measure 3.3–4.5 mm in length and 1.2–1.5 mm in width. The species is a pest of cut and stored wood, creating galleries that cause severe interior deterioration of branches. It has been recorded across the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, and introduced to North America.
Scolytodes schwarzi
Scolytodes schwarzi is a bark beetle species described by Wood & Bright in 1992, belonging to the genus Scolytodes within the weevil family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae). It is distributed across the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America. As a member of Scolytodes, it is part of a genus of small ambrosia beetles that typically colonize dead or dying wood.