Raspberry Beetle
Byturus tomentosus
This record describes Byturus tomentosus (species). Recorded family: Byturidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 3.2 to 4 mm. This small beetle has a chestnut-red or golden appearance, with legs and antennae all of similar colour. Byturus tomentosus and B. ochraceus are very similar but can be distinguished by careful viewing. B. tomentosus is slightly smaller (up to 4mm), has smaller eyes and has elytra that taper outwards slightly towards the base. It is also lighter brown. B. ochraceus is a little larger (up to 5mm), a shade darker, with larger eyes and elytra that are generally parallel-sided. The elytral margins are also different: tomentosus has a narrow margin visible along most of the base whereas the margin in ochraceus is obscured by the humeral bulge of the elytra. Explain how you identified the species and note the size. Though the beetle larvae are pests for Raspberry growers, adults can be found feeding on pollen on a variety of wildflowers. The small adults often congregate within flowers, particularly composites such as Dandelion. It lays its eggs on the flowers of Raspberries, Blackberries and Loganberries. When the larvae hatch they eat the developing fruit. Common in England and Wales, less so further north.
Wikipedia reference for Byturus tomentosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Byturidae
- Genus
- Byturus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Though the beetle larvae are pests for Raspberry growers, adults can be found feeding on pollen on a variety of wildflowers. The small adults often congregate within flowers, particularly composites such as Dandelion.
Seasonal Activity
May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It lays its eggs on the flowers of Raspberries, Blackberries and Loganberries. When the larvae hatch they eat the developing fruit.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in England and Wales, less so further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Byturus tomentosus. 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 Raspberry Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Beetle
What is Raspberry Beetle?
Raspberry Beetle (Byturus tomentosus) is a species in the family Byturidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Raspberry Beetle?
3.2 to 4 mm. This small beetle has a chestnut-red or golden appearance, with legs and antennae all of similar colour.
Where is Raspberry Beetle found?
Habitat: Though the beetle larvae are pests for Raspberry growers, adults can be found feeding on pollen on a variety of wildflowers. The small adults often congregate within flowers, particularly composites such as Dandelion.
When is Raspberry Beetle active?
Raspberry Beetle: seasonal activity - May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Raspberry Beetle?
It lays its eggs on the flowers of Raspberries, Blackberries and Loganberries. When the larvae hatch they eat the developing fruit.