ColeopteraNitidulidae – Sap-feeding Beetles

Carpophilus nepos

This record describes Carpophilus nepos (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Carpophilus nepos - Carpophilus nepos
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

many things have been misidentified as this species, [native range] unknown (A.R. Cline, pers. comm. to =v= 5.iv.2011) males produce an aggregation pheromone that attracts beetles of both sexes ( Petroski & Weisleder 1997 )

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

Pantropical ; in NA, e. US

Diet and Behavior

Diet: corn, rice, nuts, vegetables, bones

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Carpophilus nepos Murray 1864

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Carpophilus nepos. 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 Carpophilus nepos (5)

Carpophilus nepos - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Carpophilus nepos - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Carpophilus nepos - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Carpophilus nepos - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Carpophilus nepos - 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 Carpophilus nepos

What is Carpophilus nepos?

Carpophilus nepos is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Carpophilus nepos?

1.5-2.6 mm

How do you identify Carpophilus nepos?

many things have been misidentified as this species, [native range] unknown (A.R. Cline, pers. comm. to =v= 5.iv.2011)

Where is Carpophilus nepos found?

Range: Pantropical ; in NA, e. US

What does Carpophilus nepos eat?

The diet of the Carpophilus nepos includes corn, rice, nuts, vegetables, bones.

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.