Pine bark anobiid
Adult pine bark anobiid
© Pests and diseases image library (PaDIL)
© Pests and diseases image library (PaDIL)
Side view of a pine bark anobiid
© Queensland Government
© Queensland Government
The pine bark anobiid is a pest of untreated, exotic (introduced species) pine logs that retain some bark.
In Queensland, 4 species of anobiid beetles (Family: Anobiidae) occur in or around buildings. Queensland pine beetles and common furniture beetles, native to Europe, are economically significant, while pine bark anobiids and cigarette beetles are less important.
Only about 200 of about 1,100 species worldwide are found in Australia.
Improved building practices for timber constructions have reduced the risk of attack and reports of damage.
Scientific name
Ernobius mollis
Similar species
- Cigarette beetle
- Common furniture beetle
- Queensland pine beetle
- Anobium punctatum
Description
- Adults grow to 5mm long and look like large common furniture beetles.
- Young adults are covered with fine golden hairs, appearing golden brown.
- Colour darkens with age as pale hairs are worn away.
- Elytra (wing cases) are smooth, different from the long rows of dark marks or 'punctures' typical of common furniture beetles.
- Wing cases and other parts are soft and much less horny than the common furniture beetle.
Distribution
- Found throughout Queensland.
Damage
- Larvae can burrow long distances into the bark or wood, damaging other materials in contact with the wood, for example, leather and plastic.
- Emerging adults bore through veneer or other materials around the infested bark, leaving round flight holes about 2mm in diameter.
Biology
- Adults only present in spring and early summer.
- Adults develop in 1 year.
- Bark must be available during development.
Monitoring and action
- To prevent attacks, remove all bark from susceptible timber or logs.
- Last reviewed: 12 Dec 2018
- Last updated: 12 Dec 2018