Females of all species have larger maxillary palpi and a larger gular region than males. The following key and accompanying illustrations will allow identification of both sexes of all species occurring in Florida and the eastern United States. Key to Species of Platypus of Florida 1. In pines . Southeastern U.S. Neotropics . . . . .
All species are ambrosia beetles and generally breed in large diameter host material.
Apparently pheromones are produced and large numbers of simultaneous attacks are frequently observed. Mated pairs tunnel into the heartwood and introduce ectosymbiotic fungi into their tunnels upon which they and their brood feed. For the most part the wood is not actually consumed. Larvae move freely inside the parental tunnels and excavate individual pupal cells off the main tunnels. Adults emerge through the original entry hole.