ColeopteraPtinidae – Death-watch and Spider Beetles

Dorcatoma setulosa

This record describes Dorcatoma setulosa (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Dorcatoma setulosa - Dorcatoma setulosa
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Bostrichoidea
Family
Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
Subfamily
Dorcatominae
Tribe
Dorcatomini
Genus
Dorcatoma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

much of e. NA (QC-ON-WI to GA-LA-KS)

Seasonal Activity

late Jun to mid-Aug in WI

Diet and Behavior

Diet: known host: Polyporus cuticularis

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Dorcatoma setulosa LeConte 1865

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorcatoma setulosa. 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 Dorcatoma setulosa (2)

Dorcatoma setulosa - photo 1
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov
Dorcatoma setulosa - photo 2
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Dorcatoma setulosa

How big is Dorcatoma setulosa?

1.6–2.1 mm

Where is Dorcatoma setulosa found?

Range: much of e. NA (QC-ON-WI to GA-LA-KS)

What does Dorcatoma setulosa eat?

The diet of the Dorcatoma setulosa includes known host: Polyporus cuticularis.

When is Dorcatoma setulosa active?

Dorcatoma setulosa: seasonal activity - late Jun to mid-Aug in WI.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.