Lobiopa insularis
This record describes Lobiopa insularis (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
highly variable
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Lobiopa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se.US (VA‒FL to OK‒TX) to S.America; W. Indies
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in rotting fruit
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lobiopa insularis ( Laporte 1840)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lobiopa insularis. 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 Lobiopa insularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobiopa insularis
How big is Lobiopa insularis?
5.0‒6.5 mm
How do you identify Lobiopa insularis?
highly variable
Where is Lobiopa insularis found?
Range: se.US (VA‒FL to OK‒TX) to S.America; W. Indies
What does Lobiopa insularis eat?
The diet of the Lobiopa insularis includes Larvae in rotting fruit.