Overlooked Cave Beetle vs Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Overlooked Cave Beetle Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
Scientific Name Pseudanophthalmus praetermissus Xyleborus glabratus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Curculionidae (Scolytinae)
Size 4-5 mm 1.8–2.4 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions United States Southeastern United States, Southeast Asia
Conservation Endangered Not Evaluated

Overlooked Cave Beetle

A rare troglobitic beetle that was long confused with related species before being formally described. It is known from very few cave localities.

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Did You Know?

Its common name reflects that it was overlooked by scientists for decades.

Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

An invasive beetle from Southeast Asia that vectors laurel wilt disease in the Americas. It bores into healthy trees of the laurel family.

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Did You Know?

It has devastated redbay tree populations across the southeastern US and now threatens the avocado industry.