ColeopteraBostrichidae – Horned Powder-post Beetles

Psoa quadrisignata

This record describes Psoa quadrisignata (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Psoa quadrisignata - Psoa quadrisignata
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

comes in a huge variety of colors (red, yellow, light brown, black) and patterns on the elytra (Joyce Gross, 3.xii.2006)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Bostrichoidea
Family
Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
Subfamily
Psoinae
Genus
Psoa

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

common in a variety of hardwood, including oak, laurel sumac, etc. (Jacques Rifkind, 23.x.2006)

Geographic Range

CA

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psoa quadrisignata. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Psoa quadrisignata (5)

Psoa quadrisignata - photo 1
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Psoa quadrisignata - photo 2
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Psoa quadrisignata - photo 3
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Psoa quadrisignata - photo 4
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Psoa quadrisignata - photo 5
Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Psoa quadrisignata

What is Psoa quadrisignata?

Psoa quadrisignata is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How do you identify Psoa quadrisignata?

comes in a huge variety of colors (red, yellow, light brown, black) and patterns on the elytra (Joyce Gross, 3.xii.2006)

Where is Psoa quadrisignata found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatcommon in a variety of hardwood, including oak, laurel sumac, etc. (Jacques Rifkind, 23.x.2006)
RangeCA

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.