Cigarette Beetle
Lasioderma serricorne
This record describes Lasioderma serricorne (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Following combination will separate L. serricorne from other species of the genus: Body entirely reddish, hairs on pronotum recumbent, not distinctly parted in middle, elytra with some hairs longer and more erect, anterior tibiae widened to the end. Earliest record in our area: USA 1886 Considered a serious pest of stored tobacco.
Wikipedia reference for Lasioderma serricorne: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasioderma_serricorne.
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
warehouses and homes
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan but characteristically more subtropical/tropical than temperate ; probably originates from Africa
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dry plant matter of any sort, including spices and tobacco
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lasioderma serricorne. 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 Cigarette Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Boris Bueche , v belov , John Pearson
Frequently Asked Questions About Cigarette Beetle
What is Cigarette Beetle?
Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cigarette Beetle?
1.5-3 mm
How do you identify Cigarette Beetle?
Following combination will separate L. serricorne from other species of the genus: Body entirely reddish, hairs on pronotum recumbent, not distinctly parted in middle, elytra with some hairs longer and more erect, anterior tibiae widened to the end.
Where is Cigarette Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | warehouses and homes |
| Range | Cosmopolitan but characteristically more subtropical/tropical than temperate ; probably originates from Africa |
What does Cigarette Beetle eat?
The diet of the Cigarette Beetle includes Dry plant matter of any sort, including spices and tobacco.