Confused Sap Beetle
Carpophilus mutilatus
This record describes Carpophilus mutilatus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
adult habitus photos: 1 , 2
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
Geographic Range
CA, TX, FL-NC - Map ( 3 ) , widely dist. in TX native to the Neotropics, now nearly cosmopolitan ( 4 ) ; in our area, recorded in BC ( 5 ) ,
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Carpophilus mutilatus Erichson 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carpophilus mutilatus. 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 Confused Sap Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Confused Sap Beetle
How big is Confused Sap Beetle?
2-3.8 mm
How do you identify Confused Sap Beetle?
adult habitus photos: 1 , 2
Where is Confused Sap Beetle found?
Range: CA, TX, FL-NC - Map ( 3 ) , widely dist. in TX native to the Neotropics, now nearly cosmopolitan ( 4 ) ; in our area, recorded in BC ( 5 ) ,