Caplothorax sayi
This record describes Caplothorax sayi (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Carpophilus sayi and Colopterus truncatus are the predominant species collected from fresh wounds on red oak in Minnesota (Juzwik et al. 1999), suggesting these are the primary vectors in MN. (Cervenka et al. 2001) C. sayi was not indicated as possible vector in Missouri or Texas. (Hayslett et al. 2008)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carpophilinae
- Genus
- Caplothorax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-SK to GA-TX-NM)
Seasonal Activity
more abundant in oak wilt mats in the spring than in the fall ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Vector of the oak wilt fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bartelt et al. 2004)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Carpophilus sayi Parsons, 1943
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Caplothorax sayi. 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 Caplothorax sayi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Caplothorax sayi
What is Caplothorax sayi?
Caplothorax sayi is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Caplothorax sayi?
2.9-4.5 mm
Where is Caplothorax sayi found?
Range: e. NA (NS-SK to GA-TX-NM)
When is Caplothorax sayi active?
Caplothorax sayi: seasonal activity - more abundant in oak wilt mats in the spring than in the fall ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Caplothorax sayi?
Vector of the oak wilt fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bartelt et al. 2004)