Oligomerus sericans
This record describes Oligomerus sericans (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Front coxae separated, 10 antennomeres
Identification notes
Front coxae separated, 10 antennomeres
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Anobiinae
- Tribe
- Stegobiini
- Genus
- Oligomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne. NA (NS-ON-MN to VA-KY) ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
mid-Jun to mid-Aug in WI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: English walnut, chestnut, white oak ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oligomerus sericans. 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 Oligomerus sericans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov , mfdigiro
Frequently Asked Questions About Oligomerus sericans
What is Oligomerus sericans?
Oligomerus sericans is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oligomerus sericans?
3.3–5.1 mm
How do you identify Oligomerus sericans?
Front coxae separated, 10 antennomeres
Where is Oligomerus sericans found?
Range: ne. NA (NS-ON-MN to VA-KY) ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Oligomerus sericans eat?
The diet of the Oligomerus sericans includes hosts: English walnut, chestnut, white oak ( 4 ).
When is Oligomerus sericans active?
Oligomerus sericans: seasonal activity - mid-Jun to mid-Aug in WI.