Byturus ochraceus
This record describes Byturus ochraceus (species). Recorded family: Byturidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small brown species (around 3.5 to 5mm long.) The appearance is very similar to the Raspberry beetle (Byturus tomentosus). Byturus tomentosus and B. ochraceus are very similar but can be distinguished by careful viewing. B. tomentosus is slightly smaller (up to 4mm) and has elytra that taper outwards slightly towards the base. It is also lighter brown. Ochraceus is a little larger (up to 5mm), a shade darker, with larger eyes and elytra that are generally parallel-sided. The pronotal margins are also different: tomentosus has a narrow margin visible along most of the base whereas the margin in ochraceus is obscured by the central bulge of the pronotum. Explain how you identified the species and note the size. Often seen in numbers on just about any flowers and especially dandelions. B.ochraceus is found through May into early June. Numbers decrease sharply in mid June and by July they are usually gone.
Wikipedia reference for Byturus ochraceus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byturus_ochraceus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Byturidae
- Genus
- Byturus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often seen in numbers on just about any flowers and especially dandelions.
Seasonal Activity
B.ochraceus
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Byturus 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 Byturus ochraceus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Byturus ochraceus
What is Byturus ochraceus?
Byturus ochraceus is a species in the family Byturidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Byturus ochraceus found?
Habitat: Often seen in numbers on just about any flowers and especially dandelions.
When is Byturus ochraceus active?
Byturus ochraceus: seasonal activity - B.ochraceus.