Serropalpus barbatus

Description

This beetle has no Slovak name and belongs to the family Melandryidae (known as Lencovití in Czech). It is found in Europe, primarily inhabiting coniferous and mixed forests. It is a xylophagous species whose larvae develop in wood, most commonly attacking spruce and fir trees. Adult beetles reach a length of 8 to 18 mm. Their bodies are cylindrical, dark brown to black. This species typically develops in weakened or freshly felled trees. The beetles are present in nature from July to September, with swarming occurring mainly at night. The female lays up to 170 eggs in bark crevices, from where the larvae burrow into the wood. They create tunnels with a circular diameter of 4–5 mm, which are filled and compacted with fine frass and can reach a depth of 10 cm. The mature larva grows to about 25 mm, and its development takes 2 to 3 years. The exit hole is circular, measuring 3 to 6 mm in diameter. This beetle often infests the same material as wood wasps of the genus Sirex.