Dorytomus ictor
This record describes Dorytomus ictor (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. Mating occurs early in the season when pairs may be found on trunks or nearby fences etc. but they are nocturnal and so possibly under-recorded at this time, during the day they remain among bark or in wood crevices and are inactive. Adults overwinter, sometimes gregariously, and are active very early in the year, from January although they will often be active during mild winter spells, and they persist into April or May. See ‘Habitat’ and ‘When to see it’ above. In the UK it is a very local species of southeast and central England and south Wales with only very few records north of the Wash and none further west than West Sussex. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Curculionidae
- Genus
- Dorytomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mating occurs early in the season when pairs may be found on trunks or nearby fences etc. but they are nocturnal and so possibly under-recorded at this time, during the day they remain among bark or in wood crevices and are inactive.
Seasonal Activity
Adults overwinter, sometimes gregariously, and are active very early in the year, from January although they will often be active during mild winter spells, and they persist into April or May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See ‘Habitat’ and ‘When to see it’ above.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In the UK it is a very local species of southeast and central England and south Wales with only very few records north of the Wash and none further west than West Sussex.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorytomus ictor. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorytomus ictor
What is Dorytomus ictor?
Dorytomus ictor is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Dorytomus ictor found?
Habitat: Mating occurs early in the season when pairs may be found on trunks or nearby fences etc. but they are nocturnal and so possibly under-recorded at this time, during the day they remain among bark or in wood crevices and are inactive.
When is Dorytomus ictor active?
Dorytomus ictor: seasonal activity - Adults overwinter, sometimes gregariously, and are active very early in the year, from January although they will often be active during mild winter spells, and they persist into April or May..
What is the life cycle of a Dorytomus ictor?
See ‘Habitat’ and ‘When to see it’ above.