Powderpost beetle 2690369 200961470 2008-03-26T01:51:38Z 137.186.154.102 /* External links */ '''True Powderpost beetles''' are a group of [[woodboring beetle]]s in the [[insect]] subfamily [[Lyctidae]] and the false powderpost beetles, the family [[Bostrichidae]]. These, and other woodboring beetles [[Anobiidae]] ([[anobiid beetle|anobiid]], [[Anobium punctatum]] ([[common furniture beetle]]s), and [[Xestobium rufovillosum|deathwatch beetles]]), all fall in the superfamily [[Bostrichoidea]]. The damage caused by the family Cerambicidae (the most common is the Old House Borer) is often confused with that of powder post beetles. However the damage is often very old, and of no consequence. ==Name== The term "powderpost" comes from the fact that the [[larvae]] of these beetles feed on [[wood]] and, given enough time, can reduce it to a mass of fine [[Powder_%28substance%29|powder]]. They are therefore considered [[Pest (animal)|pests]]. The family Anobiidae is the only one capable of digesting cellulose, the primary ingredient of wood, and all other species excrete the wood without digesting it. ==Life cycle== Powderpost beetles spend months or years inside the [[wood]] in the larval stage. Their presence is only apparent when they emerge from the [[wood]] as adults, leaving pin hole openings, often called "shot holes" behind and piles of powdery frass below. Shot holes normally range in diameter from 1/32&nbsp;[[inch]], (0.8&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]]) to 1/8&nbsp;[[inch]] (3&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]]), depending on the species of beetle. If wood conditions are right, female beetles may lay their eggs and reinfest the [[wood]], continuing the cycle for generations. Heavily-infested [[wood]] becomes riddled with holes and rooms or basements packed with a dusty frass &mdash; wood that has passed through the digestive tract of the beetles. The larvae feed mainly upon starch in the wood. ==Target materials== Depending on the species, Powderpost beetles can feed upon certain [[hardwood]]s or [[softwood]]s. Some hardwoods are naturally immune, if they have low starch content, or if the pore (vessel) diameters are too small for the female beetle's ovipositor which prevents her from inserting eggs into the substrate. Wood preservatives can be used to treat the wood and prevent beetle infestation. The most common treatment uses [[boron]]. Items that can be infested by powderpost beetles include any wooden tools or tool handles, frames, furniture, gun stocks, books, toys, bamboo, flooring, and structural timbers. ==External links== *[http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/ipm/manual/museum.htm Museum pests including powderpoke] at the [[National Park Service]]. *[http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500546.html Powder post and other wood boring beetles] from Michigan State University Extension. {{wikispecies|Anobiidae}} {{wikispecies|Bostrichidae}} {{wikispecies|Lyctidae}} [[Category:Woodboring beetles]] [[Category:Building defects]] [[Category:Beetles]]<!--taxonomic cat; should only be replaced by more precise taxonomy-->