Caenocara oculatum
This record describes Caenocara oculatum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, dorsal surface with bristling hairs; last segment of maxillary palpi broadly triangular, bluntly emarginate apically (diagnostic vs. most remaining species).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dorcatominae
- Tribe
- Dorcatomini
- Genus
- Caenocara (Puffball Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NS-ON-WI to NC-LA-TX-AZ; the most widely distributed species of the genus
Seasonal Activity
mid-Apr to late Aug in WI ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Caenocara oculatum (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Caenocara oculatum. 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 Caenocara oculatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Caenocara oculatum
What is Caenocara oculatum?
Caenocara oculatum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Caenocara oculatum?
1.8-2.3 mm
How do you identify Caenocara oculatum?
Black, dorsal surface with bristling hairs; last segment of maxillary palpi broadly triangular, bluntly emarginate apically (diagnostic vs. most remaining species).
Where is Caenocara oculatum found?
Range: NS-ON-WI to NC-LA-TX-AZ; the most widely distributed species of the genus
When is Caenocara oculatum active?
Caenocara oculatum: seasonal activity - mid-Apr to late Aug in WI ( 3 ).