Southern Lyctus Beetle
Lyctus carbonarius
This record describes Lyctus carbonarius (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Geographic Range
e. NA to Calif. / Mex. - Map ; introduced to Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Quercus, Fraxinus , wood post in houses ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lyctus carbonarius Waltl 1832
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lyctus carbonarius. 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 Southern Lyctus Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Lyctus Beetle
How big is Southern Lyctus Beetle?
4-6 mm
Where is Southern Lyctus Beetle found?
Range: e. NA to Calif. / Mex. - Map ; introduced to Europe
What does Southern Lyctus Beetle eat?
The diet of the Southern Lyctus Beetle includes hosts: Quercus, Fraxinus , wood post in houses ( 3 ).