Which family of insects does the Old-house borer belong to?

The Old-house borer, known scientifically as Hylotrupes bajulus, is a member of the family Anobiidae. This family is commonly referred to as the wood-boring beetles, which are characterized by their larvae that live in and feed on wood.

Understanding the characteristics and classifications within the various families helps clarify the Old-house borer’s impact on structures, as these beetles primarily infest softwoods, often causing significant damage to wooden components in homes.

The other families mentioned have distinct members with different life cycles and habitats. For instance, Cerambycidae encompasses longhorned beetles that typically have larvae that bore into wood, but their ecological impacts and behaviors differ from those of the Old-house borer. Lyctidae includes the powderpost beetles, known for damaging hardwoods, whereas Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, also targets various woods but operates under a different larval feeding strategy. This understanding reinforces the importance of correct identification for effective pest management and control.