Flour Mill Beetle
Cryptolestes turcicus
This record describes Cryptolestes turcicus (species). Recorded family: Laemophloeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a pest of flour and feed mills in temperate regions of the world
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Laemophloeidae (Lined Flat Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Cryptolestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
dry fruits, grain, wheat; synanthropic
Geographic Range
Cryptogenic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptolestes turcicus (Grouvelle 1876)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptolestes turcicus. 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 Flour Mill Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Flour Mill Beetle
What is Flour Mill Beetle?
Flour Mill Beetle (Cryptolestes turcicus) is a species in the family Laemophloeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Flour Mill Beetle?
~2 mm
Where is Flour Mill Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dry fruits, grain, wheat; synanthropic |
| Range | Cryptogenic |