Bolitophagus corticola
This record describes Bolitophagus corticola (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Smaller than Bolitotherus . Male not horned
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Bolitophagini
- Genus
- Bolitophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forests, under bark and bracket fungi
Geographic Range
e NA to UT-AZ (NS-FL to ON-WI-MO-TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-Sep ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bolitophagus corticola Say 1826
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bolitophagus corticola. 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 Bolitophagus corticola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolitophagus corticola
What is Bolitophagus corticola?
Bolitophagus corticola is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bolitophagus corticola?
6-7.5 mm
How do you identify Bolitophagus corticola?
Smaller than Bolitotherus . Male not horned
Where is Bolitophagus corticola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests, under bark and bracket fungi |
| Range | e NA to UT-AZ (NS-FL to ON-WI-MO-TX) - Map |
When is Bolitophagus corticola active?
Bolitophagus corticola: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-Sep ( 3 ).