African Powderpost Beetle
Lyctus africanus
This record describes Lyctus africanus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
native to Africa or the Neotropics, now cosmopolitan, get readily established; in our area: NY-FL-AL + WA-CA ; may be endemic and restricted to the Oriental and Ethiopian regions earliest record in our area: DC 1898
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lyctinae
- Tribe
- Lyctini
- Genus
- Lyctus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
ginger roots; sapwood in field ; often encountered at ports, infests food (licorice, papaya seeds, ginger roots, etc.), also hardwoods and mahogany plywood
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lyctus africanus Lesne 1907
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lyctus africanus. 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 African Powderpost Beetle
What is African Powderpost Beetle?
African Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus africanus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is African Powderpost Beetle?
2.5-4 mm
How do you identify African Powderpost Beetle?
native to Africa or the Neotropics, now cosmopolitan, get readily established; in our area: NY-FL-AL + WA-CA ; may be endemic and restricted to the Oriental and Ethiopian regions
Where is African Powderpost Beetle found?
Habitat: ginger roots; sapwood in field ; often encountered at ports, infests food (licorice, papaya seeds, ginger roots, etc.), also hardwoods and mahogany plywood