Siamese Grain Beetle
Lophocateres pusillus
This record describes Lophocateres pusillus (species). Recorded family: Lophocateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
dorsal habitus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Lophocateridae
- Genus
- Lophocateres
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Asia , currently pantropical ; adventive in NA (BC, CA; IL, DC‒FL‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: attacks a variety of legumes, rice and rice products, cereals, cocoa beans, coffee beans, nutmeg, cassava, sweet potatoes, and dried fruits
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lophocateres pusillus (Klug 1832)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lophocateres pusillus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Siamese Grain Beetle
How big is Siamese Grain Beetle?
2.6–3.2 mm
How do you identify Siamese Grain Beetle?
dorsal habitus
Where is Siamese Grain Beetle found?
Range: native to Asia , currently pantropical ; adventive in NA (BC, CA; IL, DC‒FL‒TX)
What does Siamese Grain Beetle eat?
The diet of the Siamese Grain Beetle includes attacks a variety of legumes, rice and rice products, cereals, cocoa beans, coffee beans, nutmeg, cassava, sweet potatoes, and dried fruits.