ColeopteraPtinidae – Death-watch and Spider Beetles

Lasioderma baudii

This record describes Lasioderma baudii (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Lasioderma baudii - Lasioderma baudii
Contributed by Boris Büche

Body flattened subcylindrical, pronotum with scattered larger punctures mixed with fine basic ones; pubescence on pronotum directed backwards in middle, vortically arranged at sides. Protibiae wide. No Bugguide entries, or literature treats insofar; but there are two or three sightings documented on iNaturalist; in-house finds, but likely not a direct import by the observer*. Naturalization in southern CA well possible. Aug 21, 2019 Jul 2, 2021 plus a 2nd, same date (*: person apparently never left the US)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Bostrichoidea
Family
Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
Subfamily
Xyletininae
Tribe
Lasiodermini
Genus
Lasioderma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Larvae devolop in dry flowerheads of thistle-like Asteraceae (e.g. artichoke)

Geographic Range

Euro-mediterranean; detected in CA (San Diego Co.)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lasioderma baudii Schilsky, 1899

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lasioderma baudii. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Lasioderma baudii (2)

Lasioderma baudii - photo 1
Contributed by Boris Büche
Lasioderma baudii - photo 2
Contributed by Boris Büche

Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasioderma baudii

What is Lasioderma baudii?

Lasioderma baudii is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Lasioderma baudii?

2.5 - 4 mm

How do you identify Lasioderma baudii?

Body flattened subcylindrical, pronotum with scattered larger punctures mixed with fine basic ones; pubescence on pronotum directed backwards in middle, vortically arranged at sides. Protibiae wide.

Where is Lasioderma baudii found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatLarvae devolop in dry flowerheads of thistle-like Asteraceae (e.g. artichoke)
RangeEuro-mediterranean; detected in CA (San Diego Co.)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.