Xyleborus similis
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Risk of Introduction
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
- Growth Stages
- Symptoms
- List of Symptoms/Signs
- Biology and Ecology
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Plant Trade
- Wood Packaging
- Impact Summary
- Impact
- Detection and Inspection
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Links to Websites
- Distribution Maps
Don't need the entire report?
Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need.
Generate reportIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Xyleborus similis Ferrari
Other Scientific Names
- Xyleborus bucco Schaufuss
- Xyleborus capito Schaufuss
- Xyleborus dilatatulus Schedl
- Xyleborus dilatatus Eichhoff
- Xyleborus novaguineanus Schedl
- Xyleborus parvulus Eichhoff
- Xyleborus submarginatus Blandford
EPPO code
- XYLBSI (Xyleborus similis)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageTaxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Metazoa
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Uniramia
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Scolytidae
- Genus: Xyleborus
- Species: Xyleborus similis
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of pageDescription
Top of pageAdult Female
Length about 2.2-2.7 mm. Frons convex, entire surface minutely reticulate, with faint, shallow punctures. Antennal club with one obscure suture on posterior face. Pronotum 1.1 times longer than wide; sides nearly straight; anterior margin broadly rounded, without serrations. Elytra 1.7-1.8 times longer than wide; apex narrowly rounded. Elytral declivity sloping, convex, commencing on posterior third to posterior fourth of elytra; face of each elytron with a large, distinct tubercle on lower third in interspace 1, which is outwardly curved around the tubercle sometimes with a few much smaller tubercles near declivital base; several small tubercles in other interspaces; interspace 7 acutely elevated, very weakly crenulate.
Immature Stages
The immature stages have not been described.
Distribution
Top of pageDistribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 12 May 2022Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
Cameroon | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Egypt | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Kenya | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Mauritania | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Mauritius | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Seychelles | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
South Africa | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Tanzania | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Asia |
|||||||
Bangladesh | Present | Native | |||||
Bhutan | Present | Native | |||||
Cambodia | Present | Native | |||||
China | Present | Native | |||||
-Chongqing | Present | ||||||
-Guangdong | Present | Native | |||||
-Hainan | Present | ||||||
-Yunnan | Present | ||||||
Cocos Islands | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Hong Kong | Present | Native | |||||
India | Present | Native | |||||
-Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Present | Native | |||||
-Assam | Present | Native | |||||
-Bihar | Present | Native | |||||
-Jharkhand | Present | ||||||
-Karnataka | Present | Native | |||||
-Madhya Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-Sikkim | Present | Native | |||||
-Tamil Nadu | Present | Native | |||||
-Uttar Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-Uttarakhand | Present | ||||||
-West Bengal | Present | Native | |||||
Indonesia | Present | Native | |||||
-Java | Present | Native | |||||
-Maluku Islands | Present | Native | |||||
-Sulawesi | Present | Native | |||||
-Sumatra | Present | Native | |||||
Japan | Absent, Intercepted only | ||||||
-Bonin Islands | Present | Introduced | |||||
Jordan | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Laos | Present | ||||||
Malaysia | Present | Native | |||||
-Peninsular Malaysia | Present | Native | |||||
-Sabah | Present | Native | |||||
-Sarawak | Present | Native | |||||
Myanmar | Present | Native | |||||
Nepal | Present | Native | |||||
Pakistan | Present | Native | |||||
Philippines | Present | Native | |||||
Singapore | Present | Native | |||||
South Korea | Absent, Intercepted only | ||||||
Sri Lanka | Present | Native | |||||
Taiwan | Present | Native | |||||
Thailand | Present | Native | |||||
Vietnam | Present | Native | |||||
North America |
|||||||
United States | |||||||
-Hawaii | Absent, Formerly present | ||||||
-Texas | Present, Few occurrences | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Oceania |
|||||||
Australia | Present | Native | |||||
Christmas Island | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Federated States of Micronesia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Fiji | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
French Polynesia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Guam | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Kiribati | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Marshall Islands | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
New Caledonia | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Palau | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Papua New Guinea | Present | Native | |||||
Samoa | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Solomon Islands | Present | Native |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageRisk of Introduction
Top of pageHosts/Species Affected
Top of pageThe species is strongly polyphagous, the range of its hosts determined primarily by the variety of trees in which the associated ambrosia fungus will grow. Browne (1961) recorded X. similis (and its synonym Xyleborus parvulus) from 33 host plant families, and more than twice that number of species. Schedl (1963) recorded the species from 32 families and about 80 species. Further hosts in Java are listed by Kalshoven (1964). Many more host genera in which the species has been intercepted in Japan are listed in papers from the Nagoya Plant Protection Station, e.g. Ohno et al. (1987, 1988, 1989); Ohno (1990). Given the great range of host trees attacked, and the differences between geographical areas, it is not possible to distinguish 'main host' trees from 'other host' trees (see Host table). It may be expected that almost any crop, plantation or ornamental tree in a particular area can be attacked. The host list in this datasheet is only a selection of hosts.
Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
Top of pageSymptoms
Top of pageList of Symptoms/Signs
Top of pageSign | Life Stages | Type |
---|---|---|
Growing point / dieback | ||
Stems / lodging; broken stems | ||
Whole plant / wilt |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageNotes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageMeans of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageThe adult females fly readily and flight is one of the main means of movement and dispersal to previously uninfected areas. Of more importance, however, is the movement of infested woody material in timber, ship dunnage and crating. Numerous species of Xyleborus and related genera have been taken in port cities from raw logs destined for saw mills, from discarded ship dunnage, and in similar circumstances.
Vector Transmission
X. similis, like other members of the Xyleborini is dependent for food on a symbiotic ambrosia fungus or fungi. The fungus is transmitted by the female in a mycangial pouch. The position of this is not known for certain in X. similis, but in many species of Xyleborus it consists of paired mandibular pouches (Beaver, 1989). Both adult and larvae are dependent on the growth of the fungus on the walls of the gallery system in the wood for their food (Beaver, 1989). Balasundaran and Sankaran (1991) report the association of X. similis with the phytopathogen Fusarium solani, and implicate the beetle in the spread of a disease producing cankers and die-back of teak trees in Kerala, India.
Movement in Trade
The species has frequently been intercepted in East Asia in timber imported from countries from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Solomon Islands.
Plant Trade
Top of pagePlant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Pest stages | Borne internally | Borne externally | Visibility of pest or symptoms |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bark | arthropods/adults | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye | |
Stems (above ground)/Shoots/Trunks/Branches | arthropods/adults; arthropods/eggs; arthropods/larvae; arthropods/pupae | Yes | Pest or symptoms not visible to the naked eye but usually visible under light microscope | |
Wood | arthropods/adults; arthropods/eggs; arthropods/larvae; arthropods/pupae | Yes | Pest or symptoms not visible to the naked eye but usually visible under light microscope |
Plant parts not known to carry the pest in trade/transport |
---|
Bulbs/Tubers/Corms/Rhizomes |
Flowers/Inflorescences/Cones/Calyx |
Fruits (inc. pods) |
Growing medium accompanying plants |
Leaves |
Roots |
Seedlings/Micropropagated plants |
True seeds (inc. grain) |
Wood Packaging
Top of pageWood Packaging liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Timber type | Used as packing |
---|---|---|
Loose wood packing material | Fresh, unseasoned wood | No |
Solid wood packing material with bark | Fresh, unseasoned wood | Yes |
Solid wood packing material without bark | Fresh, unseasoned wood | Yes |
Wood Packaging not known to carry the pest in trade/transport |
---|
Non-wood |
Processed or treated wood |
Impact Summary
Top of pageCategory | Impact |
---|---|
Animal/plant collections | None |
Animal/plant products | None |
Biodiversity (generally) | None |
Crop production | Negative |
Environment (generally) | None |
Fisheries / aquaculture | None |
Forestry production | Negative |
Human health | None |
Livestock production | None |
Native fauna | None |
Native flora | None |
Rare/protected species | None |
Tourism | None |
Trade/international relations | None |
Transport/travel | None |
Impact
Top of pageDetection and Inspection
Top of pagePrevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
When Xyleborus species are detected in plant material, all of the infested material should immediately be destroyed. When they are detected in traps, plant material in the vicinity of the trap should be actively inspected, with special attention directed towards imported woody products such as crating, dunnage and lumber milling scraps. If an active infestation is detected, control using insecticides is possible but of limited effectiveness. Chemical control is not generally effective because the adult beetles bore deep into the host material. However, Jose and Thankamony (2005) found that a mixture of carbaryl and quinalphos was highly effective (99%) against infestation of rubber trees by Xyleborus perforans and X. similis, when swabbed weekly on the beetle-infested region of the bark. The following insecticides are effective against Euwallacea fornicatus, which is destructive to tea: fenvalerate, deltamethrin, quinalphos and cypermethrin (Muraleedharan, 1995). Selvasundaram et al. (2001) found that Lambda-cyhalothrin 2.5 EC was more effective in reducing E. fornicatus populations than fenvalerate. Gnanaharan et al. (1982, 1983) suggest the use of solutions of boric acid and borax, which have both fungicidal and some insecticidal action, to protect stored wood. These insecticides may also be effective against other ambrosia beetles, but the concealed habitats in which these species feed and reproduce, the difficulties and high costs of insecticide application, and environmental concerns all limit the effectiveness of chemical control. Das and Gope (1985) protected tea chest panels against the development of wood-boring insects, including X. similis, by heating the panels to 93°C for 10-20 minutes, sufficient to kill the insects without distorting the panels. In logging areas, fast removal of the felled timber from the area will reduce attacks, and rapid conversion to sawn timber will reduce the depth of such attacks as have occurred. Debarking can also reduce attacks (Gnanaharan et al., 1985). X. similis normally forms part of a complex of bark and ambrosia beetle species attacking felled trees, and control measures need to be directed against all species at the same time (Beaver, 2000).
References
Top of pageBambara S; Stephan D; Reeves E, 2002. Asian ambrosia beetle trapping. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note122/note122.html.
Beaver RA, 2000. Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Platypodidae) of the South Pacific. Canadian Entomologist, 132:755-763.
Beeson CFC, 1929. Platypodidae and Scolytidae. Insects of Samoa, 4:217-248.
Beeson CFC, 1930. The biology of the genus Xyleborus, with more new species. Indian Forest Records, 14:209-272.
Beeson CFC, 1961. The Ecology and Control of the Forest Insects of India and the Neighbouring Countries. First Reprint. New Delhi, India: Government of India.
Bright DE; Skidmore RE, 1997. A catalog of Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera), Supplement 1 (1990-1994). Ottawa, Canada: NRC Research Press, 368 pp.
Bright DE; Skidmore RE, 2002. A catalogue of Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera), Supplement 2 (1995-1999). Ottawa, Canada: NRC Research Press, 523 pp.
Browne FG, 1961. The biology of Malayan Scolytidae and Platypodidae. Malayan Forest Records, 22:1-255.
Browne FG, 1968. Pests and diseases of forest plantation trees: an annotated list of the principal species occurring in the British Commonwealth. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press.
Eggers H, 1926. Fauna Buruana (Ipidae). Treubia, 7:299-301.
EPPO, 2014. PQR database. Paris, France: European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. http://www.eppo.int/DATABASES/pqr/pqr.htm
Grégoire J-C; Piel F; De Proft M; Gilbert M, 2003. Spatial distribution of ambrosia beetle catches: a possibly useful knowledge to improve mass-trapping. Integrated Pest Managament Reviews, 6:237-242.
Haack RA, 2001. Intercepted Scolytidae (Coleoptera) at US ports of entry: 1985-200. Integrated Pest Management Reviews 6: 253-282.
Kalshoven LGE, 1964. The occurrence of Xyleborus perforans (Woll.) and X.similis in Java (Coleoptera, Scolytidae). Beaufortia, 11:131-142.
Murphy DH; Meepol W, 1990. Timber beetles of the Ranong mangrove forests. Mangrove Ecosystem Occasional Papers, 7:5-8.
Saha N; Maiti PK, 1984. On a collection of scolytid beetles (Scolytidae: Coleoptera) from Sikkim, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 81(3-4):1-8.
Schedl KE, 1963. Scolytidae und Platypodidae Afrikas, Band II. Revista de Entomologia de Mocambique, 5:1-594.
Schedl KE, 1966. Bark beetles and pinhole borers (Scolytidae and Platypodidae) intercepted from imported logs in Japanese ports. I. Kontyu, 34:29-43.
Schedl KE, 1969. Indian bark and timber beetles V. 217. Contribution to the morphology and taxonomy of the Scolytoidea. Oriental Insects, 3(1):47-70
Schedl KE, 1975. Indian bark and timber beetles. VI. Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 82:445-458.
Schedl KE, 1975. South African bark and timber beetles, 3. Annals of the Transvaal Museum, 29:275-281.
Schedl KE, 1977. Die Scolytidae und Platypodidae Madagaskars und einger naheliegender Inselgruppen. Mitteilungen der Forstlichen Bundes-Versuchsanstalt, Wien, 119:1-326.
Wood SL, 1960. Coleoptera: Platypodidae and Scolytidae. Insects of Micronesia, 18(1):1-73.
Wood SL; Bright DE, 1992. A catalog of Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera), Part 2: Taxonomic Index Volume A. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs, 13:1-833.
Distribution References
Beeson C F C, 1929. Platypodidae and Scolytidae. Insects of Samoa. 217-248.
Browne FG, 1968. Pests and diseases of forest plantation trees: an annotated list of the principal species occurring in the British Commonwealth., Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press.
CABI, Undated. Compendium record. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Eggers H, 1926. Fauna Buruana (Ipidae). Treubia. 299-301.
Murphy DH, Meepol W, 1990. Timber beetles of the Ranong mangrove forests. In: Mangrove Ecosystem Occasional Papers, 7 5-8.
NHM, 1892. Specimen record from the collection in the Natural History Museum (London, UK)., London, UK: Natural History Museum (London).
NHM, 1984. Specimen record from the collection in the Natural History Museum (London, UK)., London, UK: Natural History Museum (London).
NHM, 1986. Specimen record from the collection in the Natural History Museum (London, UK)., London, UK: Natural History Museum (London).
NHM, 1995. Specimen record from the collection in the Natural History Museum (London, UK)., London, UK: Natural History Museum (London).
Saha N, Maiti PK, 1984. On a collection of scolytid beetles (Scolytidae: Coleoptera) from Sikkim, India. In: Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 81 (3-4) 1-8.
Schedl KE, 1975. Indian bark and timber beetles. VI. In: Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 82 445-458.
Schedl KE, 1975a. South African bark and timber beetles, 3. In: Annals of the Transvaal Museum, 29 275-281.
Wood SL, 1960. Coleoptera: Platypodidae and Scolytidae. In: Insects of Micronesia, 18 (1) 1-73.
Wood SL, Bright DE, 1992. A catalog of Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera), Part 2: Taxonomic Index Volume A. In: Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs, 13 1-833.
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
Distribution Maps
Top of pageSelect a dataset
Map Legends
-
CABI Summary Records
Map Filters
Unsupported Web Browser:
One or more of the features that are needed to show you the maps functionality are not available in the web browser that you are using.
Please consider upgrading your browser to the latest version or installing a new browser.
More information about modern web browsers can be found at http://browsehappy.com/