Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle
Brachypterolus pulicarius
This record describes Brachypterolus pulicarius (species). Recorded family: Kateretidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
may have been introduced with imported toadflax plants (first NA record: NY 1919) ; now used to control its host plant
Wikipedia reference for Brachypterolus pulicarius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachypterolus_pulicarius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Kateretidae (Short-winged Flower Beetles)
- Genus
- Brachypterolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, introduced into NA prior to 1920; abundant and common in all Canadian provinces that support yellow and Dalmatian toadflax varieties
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on toadflax
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachypterolus pulicarius (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachypterolus pulicarius. 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 Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle
What is Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle?
Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle (Brachypterolus pulicarius) is a species in the family Kateretidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle?
Adult ~2 mm, larva up to 4 mm
Where is Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle found?
Range: native to Europe, introduced into NA prior to 1920; abundant and common in all Canadian provinces that support yellow and Dalmatian toadflax varieties
What does Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle eat?
The diet of the Toadflax Flower-eating Beetle includes on toadflax.