Ptilinus ruficornis
This record describes Ptilinus ruficornis (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ptilinus ruficornis (Ptilinus ruficornis) is a species in the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch and spider beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Ptilininae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Bostrichoidea. This species belongs to the genus Ptilinus (Death-watch Beetle). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.8–4.8 mm. It is found in Large, dry portions of dead wood of broad-leaved trees (beech, maple, oak, sycamore...). Active during adult emerge Jun-Aug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptilininae
- Genus
- Ptilinus (Death-watch Beetle)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Large, dry portions of dead wood of broad-leaved trees (beech, maple, oak, sycamore...)
Geographic Range
e. NA to AB (NS-AB to PA-WV-AL-KS)
Seasonal Activity
adult emerge Jun-Aug ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
univoltine; eggs generally laid in Aug ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ptilinus ruficornis Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptilinus ruficornis. 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 Ptilinus ruficornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptilinus ruficornis
What is Ptilinus ruficornis?
Ptilinus ruficornis is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ptilinus ruficornis?
2.8–4.8 mm
Where is Ptilinus ruficornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Large, dry portions of dead wood of broad-leaved trees (beech, maple, oak, sycamore...) |
| Range | e. NA to AB (NS-AB to PA-WV-AL-KS) |
When is Ptilinus ruficornis active?
Ptilinus ruficornis: seasonal activity - adult emerge Jun-Aug ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Ptilinus ruficornis?
univoltine; eggs generally laid in Aug ( 4 )