Bitoma carinata
This record describes Bitoma carinata (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
readily distinguished by the dark, cylindrical body, pronotum distinctly longer than wide (emphasis added), distinctly granulate with 2 pairs of well-defined, full-length, slightly curved to sinuate carinae, and reduced interfacetal setae. Det. Bruce Getty, 2011 Type Locality: Upper part of Georgia
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Colydiinae
- Tribe
- Synchitini
- Genus
- Bitoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under bark of dead oak ( Quercus ) ( 3 )
Geographic Range
coastal se. US (LA-s.FL-VA) / Cuba, Hispaniola - Map , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
May-Dec. ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bitoma carinata. 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 Bitoma carinata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitoma carinata
What is Bitoma carinata?
Bitoma carinata is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bitoma carinata?
2.8-4.0 mm
How do you identify Bitoma carinata?
readily distinguished by the dark, cylindrical body, pronotum distinctly longer than wide (emphasis added), distinctly granulate with 2 pairs of well-defined, full-length, slightly curved to sinuate carinae, and reduced interfacetal setae. Det. Bruce Getty, 2011
Where is Bitoma carinata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark of dead oak ( Quercus ) ( 3 ) |
| Range | coastal se. US (LA-s.FL-VA) / Cuba, Hispaniola - Map , uncommon |
When is Bitoma carinata active?
Bitoma carinata: seasonal activity - May-Dec. ( 3 ).