Nicobium castaneum
This record describes Nicobium castaneum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
may severely damage softwood (incl. furniture, wood artifacts), books ( 4 ) , and be a pest in museums and libraries ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anobiinae
- Tribe
- Nicobiini
- Genus
- Nicobium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US to TX - Map ; non-native in NA, apparently of European origin (widespread in warmer parts of Europe & in the Mediterranean basin)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: various wood products and yellow pine
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: castaneum = 'chestnut-colored'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nicobium castaneum. 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 Nicobium castaneum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicobium castaneum
What is Nicobium castaneum?
Nicobium castaneum is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nicobium castaneum?
3.3-6.5 mm
Where is Nicobium castaneum found?
Range: se. US to TX - Map ; non-native in NA, apparently of European origin (widespread in warmer parts of Europe & in the Mediterranean basin)
What does Nicobium castaneum eat?
The diet of the Nicobium castaneum includes various wood products and yellow pine.