California Deathwatch Beetle
Hemicoelus gibbicollis
This record describes Hemicoelus gibbicollis (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A triangular projecting part of the pronotal side margin is typical, and diagnostic to the species, but this can be almost lacking. Coulour is brown or black, and elytra may appear indistinctly longitudinally striped.
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
Dry wood (broadleaf of conifers), may occur in houses and be a pest of timber in coastal regions, esp. Douglas fir in buildings that are at least 20 yrs old
Geographic Range
Pacific coast (AK-CA) north to Sitka
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge Jun-Aug but in California emergence begins earlier and extends into fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hemicoelus gibbicollis (LeConte 1859)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hemicoelus gibbicollis. 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 California Deathwatch Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About California Deathwatch Beetle
What is California Deathwatch Beetle?
California Deathwatch Beetle (Hemicoelus gibbicollis) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is California Deathwatch Beetle?
2.5-5.5 mm
How do you identify California Deathwatch Beetle?
A triangular projecting part of the pronotal side margin is typical, and diagnostic to the species, but this can be almost lacking. Coulour is brown or black, and elytra may appear indistinctly longitudinally striped.
Where is California Deathwatch Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dry wood (broadleaf of conifers), may occur in houses and be a pest of timber in coastal regions, esp. Douglas fir in buildings that are at least 20 yrs old |
| Range | Pacific coast (AK-CA) north to Sitka |
When is California Deathwatch Beetle active?
California Deathwatch Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults emerge Jun-Aug but in California emergence begins earlier and extends into fall.