Reproduction

Xestobium rufovillosum is a dioecious organism, meaning that there are two separate sexes male and female.  Because this species is under the subclass Pterygota, they undergo complete metamorphosis with four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult (Rentokil, 2009).  The adult beetles are known for tapping on wood with their head during mating season to attract mates.  Once the mate is found, the female will usually weigh the male on her back to ensure the male will provide specific nutrients necessary for eggs and larva (Rentokil, 2009).  If he does not feel heavy enough the female will continue to look for a more suitable mate (Rentokil, 2009).

permission from Josef Dvork http://www.biolib.cz/en/image/id60605/The life cycle then begins with the female laying her eggs in a small clusters inside the cracks of dead or rotted wood (Rentokil, 2009).  The clusters range from about forty to sixty eggs and take about two to five weeks to hatch.  As the eggs hatch the larvae begins to borrow into the timber, causing extensive damage and weakening of wood.  In most species the gut contains microorganisms that allow beetles to digest the cellulose in wood (Akbulut, et. al. 2008).  As the larvae continue to feed and grow the pupate, or form a pupa.  The pupa stage is usually immobile and it is a non-feeding stage in which the adult beetle or imago will emerge.  As the adult emerges from the wood, exit holes, or flights are noticeable range from three to four millimeters (Rentokil, 2009).  The life cycle of Xestobium rufovillosum from adult to adult can take anywhere from four to ten years (Rentokil, 2009).

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