Pineapple Sap Beetle
Epuraea luteola
This record describes Epuraea luteola (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Epuraeinae
- Genus
- Epuraea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
tropicopolitan, adventive across southernmost states, Europe & elsewhere - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , of Neotropical origin
Diet and Behavior
Diet: generalist pest of fruit, mushrooms ( 6 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epuraea luteola Erichson 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epuraea luteola. 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 Pineapple Sap Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Sap Beetle
How big is Pineapple Sap Beetle?
2.0‒2.5 mm ; one of the smallest nitidulids attacking dried fruit
Where is Pineapple Sap Beetle found?
Range: tropicopolitan, adventive across southernmost states, Europe & elsewhere - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , of Neotropical origin
What does Pineapple Sap Beetle eat?
The diet of the Pineapple Sap Beetle includes generalist pest of fruit, mushrooms ( 6 ) ( 4 ).