Platystomos albinus
This record describes Platystomos albinus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 10 mm. There is strong sexual dimorphism with the male having antennae as long as the body, but these are shorter in the female. There may also be variation in colour from grey to fawn and brown. The white markings vary in size and may be reduced or occasionally absent. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. The adults are found on fungus infected Beech and Alder and occasionally on other deciduous trees. The larvae feed on decaying and dying branches of deciduous trees. Mainly found in the southern half of Britain and never common. It is classed as nationally scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Platystomos albinus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platystomos_albinus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Anthribidae
- Genus
- Platystomos
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adults are found on fungus infected Beech and Alder and occasionally on other deciduous trees.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on decaying and dying branches of deciduous trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly found in the southern half of Britain and never common. It is classed as nationally scarce "B".
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platystomos albinus. 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 Platystomos albinus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platystomos albinus
What is Platystomos albinus?
Platystomos albinus is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Platystomos albinus?
7 to 10 mm. There is strong sexual dimorphism with the male having antennae as long as the body, but these are shorter in the female. There may also be variation in colour from grey to fawn and brown. The white markings vary in size and may be reduced or occasionally absent.
Where is Platystomos albinus found?
Habitat: The adults are found on fungus infected Beech and Alder and occasionally on other deciduous trees.
When is Platystomos albinus active?
Platystomos albinus: seasonal activity - Late spring to early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Platystomos albinus?
The larvae feed on decaying and dying branches of deciduous trees.