Bark and Ambrosia Beetles of the World

Wood (1963) treated obesus Mannerheim 1843 as the senior synonym and rufipennis Kirby 1837 as a junior synonym for this species, despite the fact that Kirby’s name is older. No explanation was given. In 1982 he reversed the order, recognizing rufipennis as the correct name, also without any mention or explanation of his 1963 treatment.