Stored Grain Fungus Beetle
Litargus balteatus
This record describes Litargus balteatus (species). Recorded family: Mycetophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Holotype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mycetophagidae (Hairy Fungus Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mycetophagini
- Genus
- Litargus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on fungus, decaying plant material, maize, dried grapes, stored products ; reported occasionally from grain elevators, mills, warehouses, and dwellings
Geographic Range
e. NA to CA (native range) ; now cosmopolitan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Litargus balteatus LeConte 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Litargus balteatus. 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 Stored Grain Fungus Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stored Grain Fungus Beetle
How big is Stored Grain Fungus Beetle?
<2.3 mm
How do you identify Stored Grain Fungus Beetle?
Holotype
Where is Stored Grain Fungus Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on fungus, decaying plant material, maize, dried grapes, stored products ; reported occasionally from grain elevators, mills, warehouses, and dwellings |
| Range | e. NA to CA (native range) ; now cosmopolitan |