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Home > Violet tanbark beetle

Photo By Siga , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Violet tanbark beetle

Callidium violaceum

A species of Callidium

The violet tanbark beetle is commonly found throughout Eurasia, primarily in coniferous forests. The beetle can also make its home in wooden structures. Female violet tanbark beetle lay their eggs in the wood, using the pulp to feed the larva. The beetle can cause significant damage to buildings by weaken wooden support systems.

General Info About Violet tanbark beetle

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Attributes of Violet tanbark beetle

Colors

Black

Blue

Habitat

dry conifer

Adult Food Sources

Dead wood, tree bark, shrubs, decaying hardwood, conifer trees

Larva Food Source

Decaying coniferous wood, dead branches, fallen logs, stumps of conifers, coniferous bark

Biting/stinging

Not reported

Allergy-causing

Not reported

Defensive attack

Not reported

Venomous

Not reported

Non-poisonous

The Violet tanbark beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.

Borer

The Violet tanbark beetle can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.

Pollinator

Not reported

Pest-Eating Predatory

Not reported

Phytophagous

The Violet tanbark beetle feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.

Predatory

Not reported

Biting animal or pet

Not reported

Mouthparts Type

Chewing mouthparts

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Species Status of Violet tanbark beetle

It is found in Europe & Northern Asia (excluding China); the North America and South America.

Distribution Area of Violet tanbark beetle

Canada, United States

Life Cycle of Violet tanbark beetle

Egg The egg is the first developmental phase where the violet tanbark beetle lays eggs in protected areas. These eggs are small, often oval-shaped, and can vary in color but usually are white or cream.

Larva Hatching from the egg, the violet tanbark beetle larva is a worm-like grub, typically with a pale body and darker head. It grows in size through several molts, increasing in size but not drastically changing in shape.

Pupal After obtaining enough nutrients, the violet tanbark beetle enters the pupal stage, encased in a protective cocoon. Inside, the violet tanbark beetle undergoes significant changes, reforming its body structure into the adult form.

Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult violet tanbark beetle is characterized by its hardened body, pronounced elongated antennae, and well-developed wings. The adult's size, color, and form are distinct, now focused on reproduction and dispersal.

Adult Size of Violet tanbark beetle

8 - 18 mm

Predators of Violet tanbark beetle Larvae

Birds, rodents, lizards, predacious beetles

Predators of Adult Violet tanbark beetle

Birds, rodents, lizards, spiders, insectivorous mammals

Interesting Facts About Violet tanbark beetle

Violet tanbark beetle larvae create a unique chemical compound that prevents wood decay while they inhabit it, effectively preserving their own habitat.

Scientific Classification of Violet tanbark beetle

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Tips for Finding Violet tanbark beetle

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Youth Habitat of Violet tanbark beetle

Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter

Adult Habitat of Violet tanbark beetle

Forests and Woodlands

How Can You Attract Violet tanbark beetle

As violet tanbark beetle larvae tend to bore into wood, traps with pheromones or host tree volatiles are typically used to attract adults.

Habitat Preferences of Violet tanbark beetle Through Different Life Stages

The eggs of violet tanbark beetle are deposited in crevices of bark on dead wood, including fallen trees and logs. Larvae burrow into the wood, where they consume the inner layers and create winding galleries as they grow. After pupating inside the wood, adult violet tanbark beetle emerge and are often found on or around their host trees, deadwood, and stumps. For those searching for the different stages, begin with dead or dying trees for eggs, proceed by examining inner wood layers for larvae, and look near the same sites for adults, particularly during warm, sunny days when they are most active.

When is the Best Time to Observe Violet tanbark beetle

Adult violet tanbark beetle are often most active and easiest to find during warm months, while larvae can be located year-round within their wooden habitats.

What is the Best Weather to Observe Violet tanbark beetle

Violet tanbark beetle adults are usually more active on warm, sunny days which is optimal for their flight and mating activities.

How and Where Can You Find Violet tanbark beetle at Different Life Stages

Larva Violet tanbark beetle larvae bore into wood, often of dead or dying trees. Finding them involves identifying infested trees by the presence of exit holes and frass (sawdust-like excrement), and carefully splitting the wood to observe the larvae without harming them.

Pupal Violet tanbark beetle pupate within the wooden galleries created by larvae. To find them, look for the same signs as the larval stage and carefully extract the pupae from the wood, ensuring that the habitat is not unduly disturbed.

Adult Adult violet tanbark beetle are often found on or near the host trees from which they emerged. They can be observed during the daytime resting on tree trunks or flying in search of mates. To safely find and observe adult violet tanbark beetle, use visual searching or non-destructive trapping methods.

Are Violet tanbark beetle harmful?

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Harmful Effects of Violet tanbark beetle

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Structural Pests

The violet tanbark beetle infestation often goes unnoticed until substantial damage occurs, especially in wooden structures. As larvae, they bore into wood, weakening internal structures, then emerge as adults, further harming the wooden items' aesthetic and structural integrity. Damage can vary from mild to severe depending on infestation intensity, potentially leading to costly repairs and structural failures.

Forestry Pest

When violet tanbark beetle larva infest a small number of fir trees, the damage might be mild, causing only minor cosmetic harm. In overwhelming numbers, however, severe structural weakening occurs, which can lead to tree death, high economic losses in forestry, and can exacerbate wildfire risks. The decaying wood further impacts forest ecosystem health.

More Effects of Violet tanbark beetle