Dried-fruit Beetle
Carpophilus hemipterus
This record describes Carpophilus hemipterus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dried-fruit Beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap-feeding beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Carpophilinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Carpophilus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 1.8-2.1 mm. It is found in In the field, common on overripe fruit; indoors, in all kinds of dried fruit and much less frequently in cereals, oilseed, and their derivatives ; also under rotten logs, oak wilt mycelial mats.
Identification notes
Det. C. Rorabaugh, 2014
Wikipedia reference for Carpophilus hemipterus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpophilus_hemipterus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Carpophilinae
- Genus
- Carpophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In the field, common on overripe fruit; indoors, in all kinds of dried fruit and much less frequently in cereals, oilseed, and their derivatives ( 5 ) ; also under rotten logs, oak wilt mycelial mats ( 3 )
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, mostly temperate regions - Map , native to tropical Asia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae feed on the flesh of fruit, esp. those contaminated by fungi and yeasts ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carpophilus hemipterus. 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 Dried-fruit Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dried-fruit Beetle
What is Dried-fruit Beetle?
Dried-fruit Beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dried-fruit Beetle?
1.8-2.1 mm
How do you identify Dried-fruit Beetle?
Det. C. Rorabaugh, 2014
Where is Dried-fruit Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In the field, common on overripe fruit; indoors, in all kinds of dried fruit and much less frequently in cereals, oilseed, and their derivatives ( 5 ) ; also under rotten logs, oak wilt mycelial mats ( 3 ) |
| Range | cosmopolitan, mostly temperate regions - Map , native to tropical Asia |
What does Dried-fruit Beetle eat?
The diet of the Dried-fruit Beetle includes adults and larvae feed on the flesh of fruit, esp. those contaminated by fungi and yeasts ( 5 ).