Two-spotted Sap Beetle
Nitidula bipunctata
This record describes Nitidula bipunctata (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
earliest record in our area: ID 1878 (which suggests it's not adventive)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Nitidula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on carrion, occasionally indoors
Geographic Range
holarctic, widespread in the northern hemisphere, incl. NA (NS-AK to FL-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: carrion ; indoors may feed on meats, bread, cake...
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nitidula bipunctata (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nitidula bipunctata. 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 Two-spotted Sap Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Two-spotted Sap Beetle
What is Two-spotted Sap Beetle?
Two-spotted Sap Beetle (Nitidula bipunctata) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Two-spotted Sap Beetle?
3–5 mm
Where is Two-spotted Sap Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on carrion, occasionally indoors |
| Range | holarctic, widespread in the northern hemisphere, incl. NA (NS-AK to FL-TX) |
What does Two-spotted Sap Beetle eat?
The diet of the Two-spotted Sap Beetle includes carrion ; indoors may feed on meats, bread, cake....