Brown Powderpost Beetle
Lyctus brunneus
This record describes Lyctus brunneus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Brown Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus brunneus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Lyctinae, tribe Lyctini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Bostrichoidea. This species belongs to the genus Lyctus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 5–7 mm. It is found in in dry seeds and spices.
Wikipedia reference for Lyctus brunneus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyctus_brunneus.
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
in dry seeds and spices ( 3 )
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan; origin disputed: "probably North America" , "Asia" ; marked as immigrant in , widespread in our area (many parts of the US, e. Canada, BC)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
1 year in unheated premises or outdoors, up to 2–4 years under adverse conditions
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lyctus brunneus (Stephens 1830)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lyctus brunneus. 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 Brown Powderpost Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Powderpost Beetle
What is Brown Powderpost Beetle?
Brown Powderpost Beetle (Lyctus brunneus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brown Powderpost Beetle?
5–7 mm
Where is Brown Powderpost Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in dry seeds and spices ( 3 ) |
| Range | cosmopolitan; origin disputed: probably North America , Asia ; marked as immigrant in , widespread in our area (many parts of the US, e. Canada, BC) |
What is the life cycle of a Brown Powderpost Beetle?
1 year in unheated premises or outdoors, up to 2–4 years under adverse conditions
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