Wood-boring-beetles
Guides
Acanthocinus
Acanthocinus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Dejean in 1821. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines and spruces, where larvae develop in the phloem beneath bark. Several species exhibit cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against tree bark. The genus includes notable species such as Acanthocinus aedilis, A. nodosus, and A. princeps (the Ponderosa Pine Bark Borer).
Actenodini
Actenodini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) within the subfamily Chrysochroinae. Members are characterized by their distinctive morphology and association with woody host plants. The tribe contains the genus Actenodes, which includes species found in North America. These beetles are part of the chrysobothrioid lineage within the Buprestidae, sharing evolutionary relationships with other wood-boring buprestid groups. The tribe is of interest to coleopterists studying North American jewel beetle diversity and host associations.
Agrilus
jewel beetles, metallic woodboring beetles
Agrilus is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 3,000-4,000 described species, making it one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. Species are found on all continents except Antarctica and exhibit diverse ecological strategies, though most are wood-boring larvae developing in recently dead branches of woody flowering plants. A few notable species are economically significant pests that attack living trees, including the emerald ash borer (A. planipennis), bronze birch borer (A. anxius), and twolined chestnut borer (A. bilineatus).
Agrilus
jewel beetles, metallic woodboring beetles
Agrilus is a hyperdiverse genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) containing nearly 4,000 described species and potentially representing the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Species are primarily twig and branch borers, with larvae developing in recently dead wood, though notable exceptions attack living trees. The genus exhibits remarkable host specificity ranging from highly monophagous to oligophagous associations, exclusively with angiosperms—no species are known to utilize conifers. Adults are typically found on foliage of larval hosts rather than flowers, with sexual dimorphism occurring in some species.
Anaglyptini
Anaglyptini is a tribe of longhorned beetles within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The tribe comprises at least 12 genera distributed across multiple continents, including Anaglyptus, Paraclytus, Cyrtophorus, and others. Members are generally small to medium-sized cerambycids, with some genera exhibiting remarkable ant-mimicry. The tribe shows notable diversity in the Neotropical and Oriental regions, with some genera extending into the Nearctic.
Anthaxiini
Anthaxiini is a tribe of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) characterized by small to medium-sized, often metallic species. The tribe includes the genus Anthaxia, one of the largest genera in Buprestidae, with numerous species distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable morphological diversity and have been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to the complexity of species-level identification.
Anthribidae
fungus weevils
Anthribidae is a family of beetles commonly known as fungus weevils, distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by their straight, non-elbowed antennae. Members of this family typically possess thread-like antennae that may exceed body length, representing the longest antennae among all Curculionoidea. The labrum appears as a separate segment from the clypeus, and maxillary palps are notably long and projecting. Most species feed on fungi or decaying plant matter, with larvae developing within dead wood. Some members exhibit unusual feeding habits: Choraginae includes seed-feeding species, a few are stored product pests, and the genus Anthribus uniquely preys upon soft scale insects.
Apatides
horned powder-post beetles
Apatides is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Casey in 1898 and contains at least four described species, including Apatides fortis, A. pollens, A. puncticeps, and A. robustus. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles that have been documented in western Texas and neighboring regions, where they are attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Asemini
Asemini is a tribe of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Spondylidinae. The tribe includes at least 10 genera, with some genera (notably Nothorhina and Tetropium) sometimes placed in separate monotypic tribes by different authorities. Members are primarily associated with coniferous and broadleaf trees.
Asiocnemis
Asiocnemis is a genus of false click beetles (family Eucnemidae) established by Mamaev in 1976. The genus is rarely collected, with only seven observations recorded on iNaturalist. Members of Eucnemidae are characterized by larvae that develop in decaying wood and adults that are often found in forest habitats. The genus is distinguished from related taxa by features of the prosternal process and antennal structure.
Atanycolus
Atanycolus is a genus of braconid wasps comprising over 70 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, primarily targeting larvae in families Buprestidae (jewel beetles) and Curculionidae (weevils). Several species have been documented as natural enemies of invasive pests, including the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). The genus has been recovered from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Atimia
Atimia is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) established by Haldeman in 1847. The genus belongs to the tribe Atimiini and is characterized by small to medium-sized beetles with elongated bodies. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly junipers and pines, where larvae develop as wood-borers in dead or dying wood. The genus is primarily distributed in western North America.
Balcha
Balcha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). The genus comprises 16 described species worldwide, including eight newly described species and two newly combined species. Members are ectoparasitoids of wood-boring beetles, with Balcha indica notable as an accidental introduction to North America where it attacks the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis).
Bostrichidae
auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, horned powderpost beetles
Bostrichidae is a family of beetles containing more than 700 described species. Members are commonly known as auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, or horned powderpost beetles. The family includes significant stored product pests such as the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) and the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus), as well as wood-boring species. The fossil record extends to the Cretaceous period.
Bostrichinae
horned powder-post beetles
Bostrichinae is a subfamily of powderpost beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The subfamily contains more than 60 genera and over 500 described species. Members are primarily wood-boring beetles, with some species serving as hosts for parasitoid wasps. The group has been documented across multiple continents including records from Panama and Turkey.
Brentidae
straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils
Brentidae is a cosmopolitan family of weevils distinguished by their straight (non-elbowed) antennae and elongated, often flattened bodies. The family has undergone significant taxonomic expansion, now encompassing approximately 4,000 species across six subfamilies including groups formerly classified in Curculionidae (Apioninae, Cyladinae, Nanophyinae) and the previously separate family Ithycerinae. Members are primarily xylophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi in dead wood. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in tropical regions but extends into temperate zones worldwide.
Buprestidae
Jewel Beetles, Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Buprestidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 15,000 described species in 775 genera, commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are renowned for their brilliant iridescent coloration produced by structural coloration rather than pigments. Larvae, called flatheaded borers, develop in wood and plant tissues, with many species associated with dying or dead trees. Some species are serious forest pests, notably the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), while others are attracted to burned forests and can detect infrared radiation and smoke from distances up to 50 miles.
Buprestinae
jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles
Buprestinae is a subfamily of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising approximately 1,500+ species worldwide. The subfamily contains five recognized tribes: Anthaxiini, Buprestini, Chrysobothrini, Melanophilini, and Xenorhipidini. Members are characterized by their brilliant metallic coloration and sculptured bodies. Adults are primarily phytophagous, with many species visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae are predominantly wood-borers, though some exhibit leaf-mining habits in tropical regions. Several species are significant forestry pests or invasive species.
Callidium
Callidium is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 24 described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Species are associated with coniferous trees, particularly pines and spruces, where larvae develop in dead or dying wood. The genus has a fossil record extending from the Eocene to the Pliocene in Europe.
Centrodera
Centrodera is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Rhagiini. The genus was established by LeConte in 1850 and contains approximately 11 recognized species distributed in North America, with the majority restricted to the United States. Species include Centrodera spurca, C. decolorata, C. nevadica, and C. sublineata, among others. The genus is associated with coniferous and mixed woodlands, with some species showing host relationships with Douglas-fir and other trees.
Cerambycidae
Longhorn beetles, Long-horned beetles, Longicorn beetles
Cerambycidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 35,000 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length, which gives rise to their common name. The family exhibits diverse ecological strategies, with larvae predominantly developing in woody tissues and adults showing varied feeding habits including pollen, nectar, and foliage consumption. Many species are important ecological decomposers of dead and dying wood, while some are significant forest pests.
Chrysobothrini
metallic wood-boring beetles
Chrysobothrini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles within the family Buprestidae, containing at least three genera and approximately 140 described species. The tribe includes the large and economically significant genus Chrysobothris, whose members are primarily wood-borers associated with various tree and shrub hosts. Species in this tribe are characterized by their metallic coloration and cylindrical body form typical of the family. The group has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly the Chrysobothris femorata species complex, which was recently redefined to recognize numerous cryptic species.
Chrysobothris
metallic wood-boring beetles, flatheaded borers
Chrysobothris is a large genus of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) containing at least 690 described species. Members are characterized by their flattened, streamlined bodies and often striking metallic coloration. The genus includes economically important pests of fruit trees, shade trees, and forest trees, as well as numerous species with narrower host associations. Species identification is notoriously difficult due to high diversity, morphological similarity among closely related taxa, and the existence of numerous cryptic species complexes.
Corthylini
Corthylini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae. Members are small beetles associated with coniferous trees, where they develop in bark and wood tissues. The tribe includes several economically significant species that damage timber and ornamental conifers. Adults are characterized by a compact body form and clubbed antennae typical of the family.
Cyrtinini
Cyrtinini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae. The tribe contains approximately 13 genera, including Cyrtinus, the type genus. Members are generally small to medium-sized beetles with elongated bodies typical of Lamiinae. The tribe has a scattered global distribution with observations primarily from the Americas and parts of Asia. As a taxonomic grouping, it is recognized in both the Catalogue of Life and major cerambycid classifications.
Cyrtinus
Cyrtinus is a genus of minute longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas. The genus is notable for containing some of the smallest members of the family, with adults of certain species measuring only 2–3 millimeters in length. Species occur in eastern North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The type species, Cyrtinus pygmaeus, is among the smallest North American cerambycids and exhibits effective ant mimicry.
Dendrobiella
horned powder-post beetles
Dendrobiella is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Casey in 1898. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in North and Central America. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles associated with dead or dying woody vegetation.
Desmiphora
Desmiphora is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) comprising approximately 50 species distributed across the New World tropics and subtropics. The genus is characterized by distinctive fasciculate tufts (pencils) of erect or suberect hairs on the body. Most species occur in Brazil, with some extending northward to southern Texas. The genus was established by Audinet-Serville in 1835 and includes two subgenera: Antenniphora and Desmiphora.
Desmiphorini
Desmiphorini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae, distributed across the New World and Asia. Members are characterized by distinctive tufts or fascicles of erect hairs (pencils) on the body, often functioning in crypsis against bark or foliage. The tribe includes genera such as Desmiphora, Graphidessa, Miccolamia, and Ceiupaba, with species ranging from minute (Miccolamia minuta, considered the smallest cerambycid in China) to larger forms. Many species exhibit cryptic coloration matching their host substrates, with some showing potential caterpillar mimicry.
Desmocerini
Desmocerini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lepturinae. The tribe is best known for the genus Desmocerus, which contains large, strikingly colored beetles. Members of this tribe are associated with woody vegetation and have been documented in North America. The group is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from related lepturine tribes.
Elaphidiini
Elaphidiini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The tribe has historically been spelled "Elaphidionini" in some literature. It contains numerous genera distributed across the Americas, with particularly high diversity in the Neotropical region. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from Colombia, Mexico, and the Caribbean, including Sphaerion costae, Mephritus costae, Eurysthea nogueirai, and Eurysthea nakagomei. The genus Elaphidion occurs in the Puerto Rican Bank and Antigua, with known host plant associations and described larval biology for some species.
Elateropsis
Elateropsis is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Prioninae, tribe Solenopterini. The genus was established by Chevrolat in 1862 and contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Caribbean region and parts of Central and South America. Species in this genus are characterized by their robust, cylindrical bodies and relatively large size typical of prionine cerambycids. The genus includes several island endemics, such as species restricted to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cuba.
Eleutho
Eleutho is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Thomson in 1864. It belongs to the tribe Eburiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The genus is part of the megadiverse beetle family Cerambycidae, commonly known as longhorn or longicorns due to their characteristic elongated antennae. Species in this genus are wood-associated beetles with larvae that develop in plant material.
Elytrimitatrix
Elytrimitatrix is a genus of disteniid beetles established by Santos-Silva & Hovore in 2007, previously treated as part of the genus Distenia. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with one species, E. undata, occurring broadly across eastern and central North America. The group has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species described since 2007. Adults are attracted to fermenting baits and ultraviolet light, and larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwoods and pine.
Euceratocerini
death-watch beetles
Euceratocerini is a tribe of beetles within the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch beetles. The tribe comprises at least 4 genera and approximately 18 described species. Members are xylophagous wood-boring beetles. The tribe includes the genera Actenobius, Ctenobium, Euceratocerus, and Xeranobium.
Euceratocerus
death-watch beetles
Euceratocerus is a genus of death-watch beetles first described by LeConte in 1874. The genus comprises four described species distributed in North America. These beetles belong to the family Ptinidae (formerly treated as Anobiidae), a group known for wood-boring larvae. The genus name reflects their membership among beetles that produce distinctive tapping sounds.
Gnathotrichus
ambrosia beetles
Gnathotrichus is a genus of ambrosia beetles in the family Curculionidae containing at least 40 described species. Species in this genus cultivate fungal symbionts in wood galleries and are primarily associated with coniferous hosts. Several species have been studied for their pheromone-mediated aggregation behavior, with males producing species-specific attractants. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with Gnathotrichus materiarius established in Europe since the 1930s.
Goes
Goes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) established by LeConte in 1852. The genus belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Monochamini. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in living or recently dead trees. The genus has been recorded from North America, with distribution records from Vermont and other U.S. states.
Graphisurus
Graphisurus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) containing five North American species. Members are medium-sized beetles with distinctive elytral patterning. The genus exhibits notable host plant fidelity, with individual species specializing on particular tree genera: G. triangulifer primarily on Celtis (hackberry), G. despectus on Carya (hickory), and G. fasciatus on Quercus (oak). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Haplidus
Haplidus is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Hesperophanini. The genus was established by LeConte in 1873 and contains seven described species distributed in North America. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly pines. Haplidus testaceus, the type species, has been collected from dead Pinus edulis (Colorado pinyon pine) branches, suggesting larval development in dead or dying pine wood.
Hesperophanini
Hesperophanini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Cerambycinae, established by Étienne Mulsant in 1839. The tribe comprises multiple genera of wood-boring beetles, with over 9,500 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Members share morphological characteristics typical of cerambycine beetles, including elongated bodies and antennae that are often notably long.
Hesperorhipis
Hesperorhipis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing four described species distributed in the southwestern United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Xenorhipidini, characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure: males possess highly modified flabellate or lamellate antennae with expanded distal segments, while females retain serrated antennae. Species in this genus exhibit abbreviated elytra that expose much of the abdomen, a trait that distinguishes them from related genera. The genus was established by Fall in 1930 and is currently under revision.
Lamiinae
Flat-faced Longhorn Beetles, Flat-faced Longhorns
Lamiinae is a subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distinguished by their orthognathous head orientation, where the face is vertical and mouthparts directed downward—hence the common name 'flat-faced longhorns.' The subfamily is extraordinarily diverse, containing over 750 genera and rivaled only by Cerambycinae in species richness within the family. Members are primarily wood-boring beetles, with larvae developing in living or dead plant tissues across a wide range of host plants.
Leptorhabdium
Leptorhabdium is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Xylosteini. The genus contains four recognized species distributed across parts of Europe, western Asia, and North America. Species within this genus are associated with wooded habitats and share the general characteristics of lepturine cerambycids, including elongated bodies and often patterned elytra.
Leptostylus
flatfaced longhorn beetles
Leptostylus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, from the United States through Central and South America to Argentina. Species in this genus are characterized by their cryptic, bark-mimicking appearance and are typically associated with dead or dying woody vegetation. The genus is part of the tribe Acanthocinini, one of the largest tribes in Cerambycidae.
Lichenophanes
horned powder-post beetles
Lichenophanes is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Lesne in 1899. The genus contains more than 40 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Oriental, and Nearctic regions. Species are nocturnal wood-borers that develop in dead hardwood trees during initial stages of fungal decomposition. Adults are attracted to artificial light and possess cryptic coloration that camouflages them in bark cracks during daylight hours.
Lissonotus
Lissonotus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) and the sole genus in the tribe Lissonotini. These beetles are part of the diverse Cerambycinae subfamily, which contains many wood-boring species. The genus was established by Dalman in 1817 and contains multiple species, though specific details about individual species remain limited in available sources.
Lochmaeocles
Lochmaeocles is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Onciderini. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with many species described by Dillon & Dillon in 1946. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in dead or dying wood.
Lyctini
Powderpost beetles (tribe)
Lyctini is a tribe of wood-boring beetles within the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as powderpost beetles. Members are characterized by their ability to digest cellulose through symbiotic yeasts, enabling them to infest and damage seasoned hardwoods. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as species in the genus Lyctus. These beetles are distinguished from other Bostrichidae by their small size, cylindrical bodies, and reduced elytral declivity.
Lymexylidae
ship-timber beetles
Lymexylidae, commonly known as ship-timber beetles, are a family of wood-boring beetles in the suborder Polyphaga. They represent the sole family in the superfamily Lymexyloidea. The family contains over 60 species across four subfamilies and approximately 15 genera, including both extant and fossil taxa dating to the Cretaceous. Many species form obligate symbiotic relationships with ambrosia fungi, which they cultivate and consume rather than feeding directly on wood. Some species are significant economic pests of timber and living trees.