Obscure Sap Beetle
Conotelus obscurus
This record describes Conotelus obscurus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Obscure Sap Beetle (Conotelus obscurus) 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 Cillaeinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Conotelus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 3.5-4.5 mm. It is found in Adults on flowers, especially dogwoods ( Cornus ) ; also on Asclepias syriaca flwrs ; often in tubular flowers. Active during Jun-Sep.
Wikipedia reference for Conotelus obscurus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conotelus_obscurus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cillaeinae
- Genus
- Conotelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults on flowers, especially dogwoods ( Cornus ) ( 4 ) ; also on Asclepias syriaca flwrs ( 5 ) ; often in tubular flowers
Geographic Range
e. NA (NB-MB-CO south to GA-MS-OK) - Map ; the widest-ranging species of the genus in our area, and the only one present north of NC-OK-NM
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Conotelus obscurus Erichson 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conotelus obscurus. 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 Obscure Sap Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , ghanley1 , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Obscure Sap Beetle
What is Obscure Sap Beetle?
Obscure Sap Beetle (Conotelus obscurus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Obscure Sap Beetle?
3.5-4.5 mm
Where is Obscure Sap Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults on flowers, especially dogwoods ( Cornus ) ( 4 ) ; also on Asclepias syriaca flwrs ( 5 ) ; often in tubular flowers |
| Range | e. NA (NB-MB-CO south to GA-MS-OK) - Map ; the widest-ranging species of the genus in our area, and the only one present north of NC-OK-NM |
When is Obscure Sap Beetle active?
Obscure Sap Beetle: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep.