Cucujus puniceus
This record describes Cucujus puniceus (species). Recorded family: Cucujidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cucujidae (Flat Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Cucujus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
is a great shot showing the ratios of abd. segment 8 to 9 (forked processes) on C. puniceus as stated in Lee & Thomas (2011): "The larva of this species is very similar to that of Cucujus c. clavipes, but can be distinguished by the ratio of the 8th abdominal segment length vs length of the forked process (4:3 in C. ... puniceus; 1:1 in C. ... clavipes), and the ratio of the 8th abdominal segment width vs the width of forked process (measured at tips) (5:3 in C. ... puniceus; 3:2 in C. ... clavipes)" … Tommy McElrath, 19 July, 2022
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cucujus puniceus Mannerheim 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cucujus puniceus. 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 Cucujus puniceus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban