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Home > Red flat bark beetle

Photo By treegrow , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Red flat bark beetle

Cucujus clavipes

A species of Cucujus, Also known as Red cucujid

The red flat bark beetle (Cucujus clavipes) is a brilliant, red insect with an entirely red body. It is pretty easy to see where this insect earned its name. This insect is considered to be an incredible survivor of the cold. It is able to survive by dehydrating itself to extreme levels and purging its body of anything that may freeze.

General Info About Red flat bark beetle

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Attributes of Red flat bark beetle

Colors

Black

Red

Habitat

poplar and ash tree

Defensive attack

Not reported

Venomous

Not reported

Non-poisonous

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

Borer

The Red flat bark 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 Red flat bark 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

The Red flat bark beetle typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.

Biting animal or pet

Yes

Mouthparts Type

Chewing mouthparts

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Appearance of Red flat bark beetle

The cold temperature in the temperate and polar USA and Canada makes survival challenging for an organism like C. clavipes. These beetles have evolved physiological adaptations to persist. Many studies of insects and some invertebrates have indicated a correlation between dehydration and the organism’s ability to prevent freezing. C. clavipes has evolved to have this ability of going through extreme dehydration, producing anti-freeze proteins (AFPs) and anti-freeze glycolipids (AFGL), entering into a diapause, producing a multimolar concentration glycerundol, and purging the gut in order to remove potential ice nucleators. Absence of freezing indicates that their AFPs can inhibit ice nucleators to vary in low temperatures and may inhibit homogenous nucleation resulting in vitrification. Another study reported that if temperatures were held constant, then C. clavipes individuals with the highest water content had the highest probability of freezing, and individuals with the lowest water content had the lowest probability of freezing. AFPs decrease the temperature at which an ice crystal grows, defined as the hysteretic freezing point, by an average of 2–5 °C below the melting point in insects, which can be as much as 13 °C in C. clavipes in winter when the insect is dehydrated and the AFPs concentrated. The Alpha S1 and S2 caesin precursor proteins are thought to have roles in the inhibition of formation of ice nucleators in C. clavipes. The beetle can also be freeze tolerant during a given year based on previous determinations of freeze tolerance in former years and that a strong correlation exists between its supercooling point (SCP) and the lower lethal temperature.

How to Identify Red flat bark beetle?

Larva Pupa Adult

Life Cycle of Red flat bark beetle

Egg The egg stage is the first stage in the life cycle, where the red flat bark beetle is encapsulated in a protective shell. The color and size are species-specific, and the primary function is to provide a secure environment for the developing embryo.

Larva In the larva stage, the red flat bark beetle looks worm-like, with a soft body that grows significantly. It sheds its exoskeleton several times. Feeding is the main activity, and it may have vibrant or camouflaged colors.

Pupal During the pupa stage, the red flat bark beetle becomes enclosed within a chrysalis or cocoon. It is immobile and undergoes transformation. The shape alters dramatically as it prepares to become an adult.

Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red flat bark beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.

Adult Size of Red flat bark beetle

1 - 1.4 cm

Predators of Red flat bark beetle Larvae

Birds, small mammals, reptiles, arachnids, predacious insects

Predators of Adult Red flat bark beetle

Birds, small mammals, reptiles, arthropods

Interesting Facts About Red flat bark beetle

The larvae of red flat bark beetle possess antifreeze proteins, allowing them to survive harsh winter temperatures.

Scientific Classification of Red flat bark beetle

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Tips for Finding Red flat bark beetle

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How Can You Attract Red flat bark beetle

In case of trapping, the bait might involve using decaying wood or tree sap to attract red flat bark beetle.

Habitat Preferences of Red flat bark beetle Through Different Life Stages

The eggs of red flat bark beetle are usually laid in crevices of dead wood or beneath bark scutes of dead or dying trees. Larvae burrow and develop within the woody material, where they feed and grow before pupating there. When searching for larvae or pupae, one should examine decomposing logs and beneath the bark of fallen trees. The adults of red flat bark beetle, emerging after metamorphosis, are found on the surfaces of logs and trees, often close to where they matured. To observe these adults, a search on the bark, especially during the night when they are active, can be rewarding.

When is the Best Time to Observe Red flat bark beetle

The most suitable time to find red flat bark beetle is usually during the active seasons which are generally spring and summer when temperatures are warmer.

What is the Best Weather to Observe Red flat bark beetle

A damp or humid climate is often most suitable for finding red flat bark beetle, as they thrive in moist environments.

How and Where Can You Find Red flat bark beetle at Different Life Stages

Larva Red flat bark beetle larvae can be found in rotting wood. To find them, search for logs on the ground and carefully split them open to look for the larvae inside the decomposing layers.

Pupal Red flat bark beetle pupae could be located inside the wooden material where larvae were present. Gently inspecting the same rotting logs without disturbing the structural integrity too much should uncover them.

Adult Red flat bark beetle adults can often be found on the trunks of trees, close to where they emerge from their pupal cases. They may be more active at night so looking for them with a flashlight or setting up a light trap could be effective.