Ptinus variegatus
This record describes Ptinus variegatus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra with two wavy white bands, the anterior one usually extending to shoulder and along side margin. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with projecting latero-dorsal humps and rather short pubescence, pale, denser and scaly in middle. Not conspicuously dimorphic. Apparently no published NA records. With existing keys, it will key out as Ptinus bimaculatus , but is easily separated from the latter by shorter pronotal pubescence, adpressed and scaly in middle. |
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
Data scarce; habits described as similar to that of P. sexpunctatus (larvae scavenge in nests of solitary bees)
Geographic Range
adventive to e. US, Calif. - Map (BG data) , native across s. Europe (sw France to se Ukraine)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ptinus variegatus Rossi 1794
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ptinus variegatus. 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 variegatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptinus variegatus
What is Ptinus variegatus?
Ptinus variegatus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ptinus variegatus?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Ptinus variegatus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra with two wavy white bands, the anterior one usually extending to shoulder and along side margin. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with projecting latero-dorsal humps and rather short pubescence, pale, denser and scaly in middle. Not conspicuously dimorphic. |
Where is Ptinus variegatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Data scarce; habits described as similar to that of P. sexpunctatus (larvae scavenge in nests of solitary bees) |
| Range | adventive to e. US, Calif. - Map (BG data) , native across s. Europe (sw France to se Ukraine) |