Larger Black Flour Beetle
Cynaeus angustus
This record describes Cynaeus angustus (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
common pest of farm-stored grain in north-central US ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Diaperinae
- Tribe
- Diaperini
- Genus
- Cynaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Stored products; sometimes found under bark, hay bales & debris. Prior to 1938 was only known from debris at the base of yucca plants. ( 4 )
Geographic Range
Widespread ( 3 ) , native to sw.US but spread rapidly eastward with agriculture, grain storage, etc. (Warren Steiner, pers.comm. 17.xi.2009); adventive in Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grain (damaged or undamaged); prefers maize and barley, also feeds on fungi associated with insect-infested grain ( 4 ) ; minor pest of stored cereal products ( 3 )
Life History
9–11 larval instars ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cynaeus angustus (LeConte 1851)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cynaeus angustus. 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 Larger Black Flour Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Larger Black Flour Beetle
What is Larger Black Flour Beetle?
Larger Black Flour Beetle (Cynaeus angustus) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Larger Black Flour Beetle?
5‒6 mm
Where is Larger Black Flour Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Stored products; sometimes found under bark, hay bales & debris. Prior to 1938 was only known from debris at the base of yucca plants. ( 4 ) |
| Range | Widespread ( 3 ) , native to sw.US but spread rapidly eastward with agriculture, grain storage, etc. (Warren Steiner, pers.comm. 17.xi.2009); adventive in Europe |
What does Larger Black Flour Beetle eat?
The diet of the Larger Black Flour Beetle includes grain (damaged or undamaged); prefers maize and barley, also feeds on fungi associated with insect-infested grain ( 4 ) ; minor pest of stored cereal products ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Larger Black Flour Beetle?
9–11 larval instars ( 4 )