Eastern Deathwatch Beetle
Hemicoelus carinatus
This record describes Hemicoelus carinatus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with well impressed and regular serial punctures (vs. similar Oligomerus spp.). ID on species level is tricky, and often tentative unless male genitalia are studied. H.(Cacotemnus) umbrosus is extremely similar, and safe separation of the two affords study of male genitalia where ranges overlap ( H. umbrosus is rare to lacking in the East)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anobiinae
- Tribe
- Anobiini
- Genus
- Hemicoelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May become a pest in structural timber; will attack old as well as newly cut wood
Geographic Range
across NA (NS-BC to NC in the east)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larval hosts: wide range of hardwoods and softwoods
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hemicoelus carinatus (Say 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hemicoelus carinatus. 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 Eastern Deathwatch Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Deathwatch Beetle
What is Eastern Deathwatch Beetle?
Eastern Deathwatch Beetle (Hemicoelus carinatus) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eastern Deathwatch Beetle?
3.4–6 mm
How do you identify Eastern Deathwatch Beetle?
Elytra with well impressed and regular serial punctures (vs. similar Oligomerus spp.). ID on species level is tricky, and often tentative unless male genitalia are studied.
Where is Eastern Deathwatch Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | May become a pest in structural timber; will attack old as well as newly cut wood |
| Range | across NA (NS-BC to NC in the east) |
What does Eastern Deathwatch Beetle eat?
The diet of the Eastern Deathwatch Beetle includes larval hosts: wide range of hardwoods and softwoods.