ColeopteraPtinidae – Death-watch and Spider Beetles

Calymmaderus obsoletus

This record describes Calymmaderus obsoletus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Calymmaderus obsoletus - Calymmaderus obsoletus
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Bostrichoidea
Family
Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
Subfamily
Dorcatominae
Genus
Calymmaderus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

OH-WI to LA-TX

Seasonal Activity

early Jul to mid-Aug in WI

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Calymmaderus obsoletus (Fall 1905)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calymmaderus obsoletus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Calymmaderus obsoletus (5)

Calymmaderus obsoletus - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Calymmaderus obsoletus - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Calymmaderus obsoletus - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Calymmaderus obsoletus - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Calymmaderus obsoletus - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Calymmaderus obsoletus

How big is Calymmaderus obsoletus?

1.9–3.0 mm

Where is Calymmaderus obsoletus found?

Range: OH-WI to LA-TX

When is Calymmaderus obsoletus active?

Calymmaderus obsoletus: seasonal activity - early Jul to mid-Aug in WI.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.