Ptinus sexpunctatus
This record describes Ptinus sexpunctatus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the spider beetles, so-called because of their long legs and roundish bodies, although in this particular species the body is less rounded than in some other members of the genus. It is very small (3 or 4 mm) with brown pitted elytra marked with pale creamy patches. This tiny beetle has the distinction of having previously been discovered in the nests of bees. It feeds on decaying insects, one of the thousands of useful tidying up creatures without which our world would be overrun with refuse. All British records come from the area south of the Wash. It is probably under recorded due to its very small size.
Wikipedia reference for Ptinus sexpunctatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptinus_sexpunctatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Ptinini
- Genus
- Ptinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This tiny beetle has the distinction of having previously been discovered in the nests of bees.
Seasonal Activity
Most often seen in summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on decaying insects, one of the thousands of useful "tidying up" creatures without which our world would be overrun with refuse.
Additional species information
Recorded status
All British records come from the area south of the Wash. It is probably under recorded due to its very small size.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptinus sexpunctatus. 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 Ptinus sexpunctatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptinus sexpunctatus
What is Ptinus sexpunctatus?
Ptinus sexpunctatus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ptinus sexpunctatus found?
Habitat: This tiny beetle has the distinction of having previously been discovered in the nests of bees.
When is Ptinus sexpunctatus active?
Ptinus sexpunctatus: seasonal activity - Most often seen in summer.
What is the life cycle of a Ptinus sexpunctatus?
It feeds on decaying insects, one of the thousands of useful tidying up creatures without which our world would be overrun with refuse.