Small Hive Beetle
Aethina tumida
This record describes Aethina tumida (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap-feeding beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Nitidulinae, tribe Nitidulini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Aethina. Size: adult 5-7 mm, fully grown larva 10-11 mm. Found in Woodland and forest habitats.
Wikipedia reference for Aethina tumida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_hive_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Aethina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and forest habitats
Geographic Range
e. US (TX-FL-PA-WI) - Map + CA , native to Southern Africa, adventive in NA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aethina tumida Murray 1867
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aethina tumida. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Small Hive Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Hive Beetle
What is Small Hive Beetle?
Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Small Hive Beetle?
adult 5-7 mm, fully grown larva 10-11 mm
Where is Small Hive Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodland and forest habitats |
| Range | e. US (TX-FL-PA-WI) - Map + CA , native to Southern Africa, adventive in NA |