Wood-boring-beetles
Guides
Macrotomini
Macrotomini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae. Members are generally large, robust beetles with prominent mandibles. The tribe is distributed across multiple continents with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Many species are associated with woody vegetation and are of interest to collectors due to their size and distinctive morphology.
Megasemum
Megasemum is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Asemini, established by Kraatz in 1879. The genus includes species such as Megasemum asperum, described by LeConte in 1854. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Spondylidinae and are part of the diverse beetle fauna of the Chrysomeloidea superfamily. The genus has been documented in citizen science observations, with over 200 records on iNaturalist.
Meroscelisini
Meroscelisini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae of the family Cerambycidae. These beetles are characterized by their robust bodies and relatively large size compared to other cerambycids. The tribe includes several genera distributed across multiple continents, with species often associated with woody vegetation.
Methia
Methia is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Methiini. The genus was established by Newman in 1842 and contains approximately 40 described species distributed primarily in North and Central America, with some species extending into South America. Species within this genus are typically small to medium-sized cerambycids. Adult Methia have been documented as attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights, suggesting nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns.
Orussus terminalis
Orussus terminalis is a parasitic woodwasp in the family Orussidae, a group unique among woodwasps for their parasitoid lifestyle. Like other orussids, they are rarely encountered in collections and poorly studied. The species belongs to a family whose members attack immature stages of wood-boring beetles and other woodwasps. Orussus terminalis has been recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Vermont).
Orussus thoracicus
Orussus thoracicus is a parasitic woodwasp in the family Orussidae, one of the rarest and most unusual groups of Hymenoptera. Adults are often mistaken for carpenter ants due to their dark coloration and wing-folding behavior. The species has been recorded from Canada, specifically British Columbia, though its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Like other orussids, it likely parasitizes wood-boring beetle larvae using specialized vibrational sounding to locate hosts.
Parandrinae
Parandrinae is a morphologically distinctive subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 14 genera and over 120 described species worldwide. The group is notable for its atypical features among cerambycids: short, equal-segmented antennae rather than the elongated antennae characteristic of most longhorn beetles, and distinctly pentamerous tarsi with five visible segments. These traits produce a remarkable superficial resemblance to stag beetles (Lucanidae), leading to frequent misidentification. The subfamily has a disjunct global distribution with centers of diversity in South America and Africa, while North America contains only four taxa. Two tribes are recognized: Erichsoniini and Parandrini.
Parelaphidion
Parelaphidion is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Elaphidiini. The genus was established by Skiles in 1985 and contains two recognized species: Parelaphidion aspersum (Haldeman, 1847) and Parelaphidion incertum (Newman, 1840). Members of this genus have been documented in fermenting bait trap studies in the central United States, where they are attracted to both molasses/beer and red wine baits. The genus belongs to the diverse elaphidiine group, which is characterized by larvae that typically develop in dead or decaying wood.
Parmenini
Parmenini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Lamiinae of the family Cerambycidae. The tribe contains approximately 80 genera distributed across multiple continents, with representatives in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia. Members exhibit considerable morphological diversity, ranging from small to moderately sized beetles with varied body forms and antennal lengths. The tribe was taxonomically treated by Linsley and Chemsak (1984) in their comprehensive monograph of North American Cerambycidae.
Peritapnia
Peritapnia is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Acanthoderini. The genus was established by Horn in 1894 and contains four described species distributed in western North America. Members are small to medium-sized cerambycids with affinities to other Acanthoderini genera.
Perothops cervinus
Perothops cervinus is a species of click beetle in the family Perothopidae, a small family within the superfamily Elateroidea. The genus Perothops contains species that are often associated with decaying wood and have been observed in association with hardwood trees. Perothopidae is distinguished from other elateroid families by various morphological features including characteristics of the prosternal process and antennae. The family is considered relatively obscure and poorly studied compared to the related Elateridae.
Poecilium
Poecilium is a subgenus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) classified within the genus Phymatodes. It contains at least 20 described species. Members are wood-boring beetles in the tribe Callidiini, subfamily Cerambycinae. The subgenus was established by Fairmaire in 1868.
Pogonocherus
flat-faced longhorn beetles
Pogonocherus is a genus of flat-faced longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Dejean in 1821. Species in this genus are wood-boring cerambycids associated with coniferous hosts, particularly pines. At least one species, P. perroudi, has been identified as a potential vector of pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), the causal agent of pine wilt disease. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.
Premnobius
Premnobius is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, established by Wilhelm Joseph Eichhoff in 1878. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members are classified within the weevil family, though they exhibit the wood-boring habits characteristic of bark beetles. The genus is part of the diverse Curculionidae, one of the largest families of beetles.
Prionini
Prionini is a tribe of large, robust longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Prioninae) characterized by their substantial body size, strong mandibles, and often somber coloration. Members of this tribe are distinguished from other Prioninae by their relatively small compound eyes, an adaptation associated with diurnal activity patterns. The tribe includes several genera distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions, with taxonomic revisions ongoing due to the group's morphological diversity and historical classification challenges.
Pristaulacus flavicrurus
Pristaulacus flavicrurus is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae, a group of parasitoid wasps that target wood-boring beetle larvae. Like other members of the genus Pristaulacus, this species is associated with forested habitats where its hosts occur. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including Ontario. The species was described by Bradley in 1901.
Pristaulacus montanus
Pristaulacus montanus is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae. Aulacid wasps are parasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae). The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada including British Columbia. Aulacids are often mistaken for ichneumon wasps due to their superficial resemblance, but can be distinguished by the high attachment of the abdomen on the thorax and a downcurved ovipositor tip.
Pristaulacus rufitarsis
Pristaulacus rufitarsis is a parasitic wasp in the family Aulacidae, found in North America. The species is a parasitoid of wood-boring beetle larvae, specifically targeting species such as the Hemlock borer (Phaenops fulvoguttata) and the poplar borer (Saperda calcarata). Females locate host larvae in wood by probing crevices with their antennae, then use their curved ovipositor to deposit eggs. The species has been documented in Colorado and Alberta, Canada.
Pronocera
Pronocera is a genus of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Motschulsky in 1859. The genus contains three described species: Pronocera angusta, P. collaris, and P. sibirica. Pronocera angusta has been studied in detail for its morphology, phenology, and ecology in relation to Norway spruce forests. The genus belongs to the tribe Callidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Psebiini
Psebiini is a tribe of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae. The tribe comprises approximately 25 genera distributed across multiple continents, with notable diversity in the Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australasian regions. Several genera were described or revised in the 21st century, indicating ongoing taxonomic refinement. The tribe includes both small-bodied genera such as Nathrius and larger forms such as Macropsebium.
Psoa
Psoa is a genus of bostrichid beetles comprising approximately five described species. Members are distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The genus was established by Herbst in 1797 with Psoa viennensis as the type species. Species in this genus are wood-boring beetles associated with dead or dying wood.
Ptosima
Redbud Borers, jewel beetles
Ptosima is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed across multiple continents. One species, Ptosima undecimmaculata, is a documented agricultural pest of grapevines, with larvae boring into stems and roots. Adults of at least some species feed on leaves and shoots of host plants. The common name "Redbud Borers" suggests association with Cercis (redbud) trees for certain species, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Rhyssa ponderosae
Rhyssa ponderosae is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the subfamily Rhyssinae, described by Townes in 1960. Members of the genus Rhyssa are among the largest ichneumonid wasps and are known for their exceptionally long ovipositors used to parasitize wood-boring beetle larvae. The specific epithet "ponderosae" suggests an association with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), though this host relationship requires confirmation. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Saperda
flat-faced longhorn beetles
Saperda is a genus of flat-faced longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae, erected by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. Species in this genus are wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in living or stressed trees, particularly poplars, willows, and other broadleaf hosts. Several species are economically significant pests of plantation trees and fruit crops. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with highest diversity in the Palearctic region.
Sclerodermus
Flat wasp
Sclerodermus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, comprising at least 20 described species. These wasps exhibit quasi-social behavior rare among parasitoids: multiple females cooperate to paralyze hosts and provision shared broods with extended maternal care. Most individuals are wingless, leading to frequent misidentification as ants. The genus is notable for extremely female-biased sex ratios (often 86-97% female) and has significant value as biological control agents against wood-boring beetles, particularly in forestry systems.
Smodicini
Smodicini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Cerambycinae, family Cerambycidae. The tribe comprises approximately 10 genera distributed across multiple continents, with the genus Smodicum being the most species-rich. Members are small to medium-sized cerambycids with somewhat flattened bodies. Many species exhibit cucujiform (flattened, elongate) body shapes reminiscent of cucujid beetles, a trait reflected in species epithets such as Smodicum cucujiforme.
Solenopterini
Solenopterini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae. Members are characterized by robust, often large-bodied forms adapted to wood-boring life histories. The tribe includes several genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some representation in the Nearctic. Solenopterini species are associated with dead or decaying hardwoods and are of occasional economic significance as timber pests.
Sphaerion
Sphaerion is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini. The genus contains six described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia and parts of South America. Species were described between 1834 and 1903. Members of this genus are part of the diverse cerambycid fauna associated with woody vegetation.
Sphaerobothris
Sphaerobothris is a genus of jewel beetles in the family Buprestidae, subfamily Buprestinae, and tribe Chrysobothrini. The genus was established by Semenov-Tian-Shanskij and Richter in 1934. It contains five described species distributed in North America, with S. ulkei being the most frequently encountered and collected by entomologists. Members of this genus are associated with Ephedra (joint-fir) as host plants.
Stenodontes
Stenodontes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Prioninae, tribe Macrotomini. The genus was established by Audinet-Serville in 1832 and contains three recognized species: S. chevrolati, S. damicornis, and S. exsertus. These are large, robust beetles typical of the prionine group, with larvae that bore into wood.
Stenosphenus
Stenosphenus is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) first described by Haldeman in 1847. The genus contains approximately 22 described species distributed across North America from the eastern United States through Mexico and into Central America. Some species exhibit specialized host associations with particular tree genera, particularly hickories (Carya). At least one species, Stenosphenus notatus, is notable for overwintering as an adult—an uncommon life history strategy among eastern North American cerambycids.
Styloxus
Styloxus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by LeConte in 1873. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North America. At least one species, Styloxus bicolor, has been documented as a phloem and cambium feeder on one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) in northern Arizona. The genus belongs to the tribe Methiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Tilloclytus
Tilloclytus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Bates in 1885, currently comprising 14 recognized species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The genus is notable for containing ant-mimicking species, most notably Tilloclytus geminatus, which exhibits Batesian mimicry of small ants through body shape, coloration, and behavior. Adults are typically small (<10 mm), with some species occasionally found on flowers though they appear less frequently associated with floral visitation than related ant-mimicking genera such as Molorchus and Euderces.
Trachykele
Trachykele is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing six described species distributed in North America. The genus belongs to the subtribe Trachykelina within the tribe Buprestini. At least one species, Trachykele blondeli, has been documented developing in red cedar (Thuja plicata) in western North America, with larvae feeding internally in the wood and adults emerging from trees. The genus is part of the diverse metallic woodboring beetle fauna of the Nearctic region.
Trachysida
Trachysida is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Lepturini. The genus contains at least two described species: Trachysida aspera (LeConte, 1873) and Trachysida mutabilis (Newman, 1841). Records indicate association with dead wood of hardwood trees, particularly Carpinus caroliniana (blue beech, musclewood).
Trichastylopsis
Trichastylopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. It was established by Lawrence S. Dillon in 1956. The genus currently contains two recognized species: T. albidus (described by LeConte in 1852) and T. hoguei (described by Chemsak & Linsley in 1978). iNaturalist records indicate very few observations of this genus, suggesting it is rarely encountered or understudied.
Trigonorhinus
fungus weevils
Trigonorhinus is a genus of fungus weevils in the beetle family Anthribidae, comprising approximately 15-16 described species. The genus includes wood-boring species that develop in plant tissues, with at least one species documented as a pest of Caragana liouana in arid regions of China. A notable species, Trigonorhinus sp., has been demonstrated to rely on gut bacterial symbionts for production of male aggregation pheromones essential for mate attraction.
Vanhornia
Vanhornia is a genus of small parasitoid wasps comprising four described species. It is the sole genus in the family Vanhorniidae, a group formerly placed in Proctotrupoidea but now classified in Diaprioidea. Species are known from North America, the Palearctic, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. All members are parasitoids of beetle larvae in the family Eucnemidae.
Wroughtonia necydalidis
Wroughtonia necydalidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Helconinae. It belongs to a genus of braconid wasps known for attacking wood-boring beetle larvae. The species epithet references its association with the longhorn beetle genus Necydalis. Like other members of Helconini, it likely functions as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of cerambycid beetle larvae.
Xestobium gaspensis
Gaspé Death-watch Beetle
Xestobium gaspensis is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae, originally described from eastern Canada in 1975. The species is known from a limited number of records in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec. It belongs to a genus commonly associated with wood-boring habits, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Xestoleptura
Xestoleptura is a genus of flower longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Casey in 1913. The genus contains approximately 10 species distributed primarily in North America. Members are classified within the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Lepturini, a group commonly associated with visiting flowers for feeding and mating.
Xoridinae
Xoridine wasps
Xoridinae is a worldwide subfamily of Ichneumonidae containing approximately 220 described species in four genera: Xorides, Odontocolon, Ischnoceros, and Aplomerus. These wasps are idiobiont ectoparasitoids that specialize on wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly Cerambycidae and Buprestidae, and occasionally Hymenoptera (Symphyta). They are strongly associated with mature forest habitats and are considered important biological control agents of forest pests.
Xyletinini
Xyletinini
Xyletinini is a tribe of beetles in the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch and spider beetles. The tribe was established by Gistel in 1848 and contains at least 10 genera and approximately 70 described species. Xyletinini belongs to the subfamily Xyletininae within the superfamily Bostrichoidea. Member genera include Xyletinus, Vrilletta, Euvrilletta, and others.
Xyletinus lugubris
Xyletinus lugubris is a species of beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), described by LeConte in 1878. It is known from North America with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario in Canada. The species belongs to a genus of beetles commonly associated with dead wood and wood-boring habits. Very little specific biological information has been documented for this particular species.
Xyloperthini
horned powder-post beetles
Xyloperthini is a tribe of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Lesne in 1921. The tribe comprises more than 30 genera and approximately 140 described species. Members are characterized by antennal club and pronotal morphology that distinguish them from related tribes. The tribe includes economically significant wood-boring genera such as Xylopertha, Xylothrips, and Calophagus.