Picnic Beetle
Glischrochilus fasciatus
This record describes Glischrochilus fasciatus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black and shiny with two transverse yellowish/orangish bands, sometimes reduced; venter dark (reddish-brown in G. quadrisignatus ) pest of crops (corn, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes); transmits oak wilt fungi; nuisance at picnics and other outdoor gatherings with food ( 4 )
Wikipedia reference for Glischrochilus fasciatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glischrochilus_fasciatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptarchinae
- Genus
- Glischrochilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults under bark of injured or dying trees, on sap, oozing tree wounds, decaying/fermenting fruit, etc.
Geographic Range
e. NA to BC (NS-BC to FL-KS-NM-OR) - Map , less common out west, and mostly absent from Gulf states
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Glischrochilus fasciatus (Olivier 1790)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Glischrochilus fasciatus. 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 Picnic Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Picnic Beetle
What is Picnic Beetle?
Picnic Beetle (Glischrochilus fasciatus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Picnic Beetle?
4-7 mm
How do you identify Picnic Beetle?
Black and shiny with two transverse yellowish/orangish bands, sometimes reduced; venter dark (reddish-brown in G. quadrisignatus )
Where is Picnic Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults under bark of injured or dying trees, on sap, oozing tree wounds, decaying/fermenting fruit, etc. |
| Range | e. NA to BC (NS-BC to FL-KS-NM-OR) - Map , less common out west, and mostly absent from Gulf states |