Granulate Ambrosia Beetle vs Powderpost Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Powderpost Beetle
Scientific Name Xylosandrus crassiusculus Lyctus brunneus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Bostrichidae
Size 2-3 mm 3-7 mm
Habitat Orchards Indoors
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southeastern United States, spreading northward Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern (invasive) Not Evaluated

Granulate Ambrosia Beetle

A tiny reddish-brown ambrosia beetle that bores into a wide range of hardwood trees. It cultivates a symbiotic fungus inside its galleries as food for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few beetles that practices true agriculture by farming fungus gardens inside tree trunks.

Powderpost Beetle

A small, slender reddish-brown beetle that reduces hardwood timber to fine powder. It is a significant pest of furniture and flooring.

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Did You Know?

Infested wood can be completely hollowed out while the exterior appears perfectly intact.