Mezium sulcatum
This record describes Mezium sulcatum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults differ from those of M. affine in having the setal collar at the base of the pronotum deeply interrupted at, and on each side of, the middle ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Meziini
- Genus
- Mezium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
associated with grains, mixed feeds, cayenne pepper; reported from melon seeds, tobacco seeds, opium, wool carpet, dried animal products, rat nests ( 4 ) • homes, warehouses, stores
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: dry stored products
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mezium sulcatum (Fabricius 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mezium sulcatum. 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 Mezium sulcatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , NickBedard
Frequently Asked Questions About Mezium sulcatum
What is Mezium sulcatum?
Mezium sulcatum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mezium sulcatum?
1.5‒3.5 mm
How do you identify Mezium sulcatum?
Adults differ from those of M. affine in having the setal collar at the base of the pronotum deeply interrupted at, and on each side of, the middle ( 3 )
Where is Mezium sulcatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated with grains, mixed feeds, cayenne pepper; reported from melon seeds, tobacco seeds, opium, wool carpet, dried animal products, rat nests ( 4 ) • homes, warehouses, stores |
| Range | cosmopolitan ( 4 ) |
What does Mezium sulcatum eat?
The diet of the Mezium sulcatum includes dry stored products.