Hemicoelus gibbicollis (Anobiidae) 

the Pacific powder-post beetle 

 

Adults: 

Hemicoelus gibbicolis adult

2.5 to 5.5 mm in lrngth with striate elytra covered in short, yellowish hairs.  The thorax is notably narrower than the elytra and when seen from the side, has a distinct lump. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Larvae: 

Anobiid larva  

 

Damage: 

Hemicoelus damage

 

Along the Pacific coast, from California to Alaska, the Pacific powder-post beetle is the most damaging of the powder-post beetles.  Well-seasoned, unrotted sapwood is attacked, often repeatedly until the wood is pulverized.  Structural timber and subflooring of older buildings lacking basements are most freqiently infested. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Principal Hosts: 

Seasoned wood (wood products and dead trees) of Douglas-fir, Abies, Tsuga heterophylla, Picea, Seqouia, Acer, Alnus, Prunus, Salix and Quercus are attacked. 
 

Economic Importance: 

Considered by some to be the most serious pest among powder-post beetles, in the broad sense of the term (i.e. the bostricids, anobiids and lyctids). 
 

References and Links: 

EAG: 536-538; FC: 270.