Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle
Antherophagus ochraceus
This record describes Antherophagus ochraceus (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cryptophagidae (Silken Fungus Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptophaginae
- Tribe
- Cryptophagini
- Genus
- Antherophagus (Bumblebee-riding beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across n. US & s. Can. - Map ; probably holarctic
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Development takes place in bumblebee nests, adults are phoretic (Boris Büche)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Antherophagus ochraceus Melsheimer 1844
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Antherophagus ochraceus. 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 Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , KenW , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle
How big is Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle?
4.0-5.0 mm
Where is Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle found?
Range: across n. US & s. Can. - Map ; probably holarctic
What is the life cycle of a Ochre Bumblebee-riding Beetle?
Development takes place in bumblebee nests, adults are phoretic (Boris Büche)