Sphaericus gibboides
This record describes Sphaericus gibboides (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
¹ infests wooden cabinets , larvae may damage cabinetwork by tunneling before pupation
Identification notes
¹
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Tribe
- Sphaericini
- Genus
- Sphaericus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mediterranean region and introduced in w. North America and New Zealand (Archibald and Chalmers 1983). In Canada only sw. BC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphaericus (Sphaericus) gibboides (Boieldieu 1854)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaericus gibboides. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaericus gibboides
What is Sphaericus gibboides?
Sphaericus gibboides is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Sphaericus gibboides?
¹
Where is Sphaericus gibboides found?
Range: Mediterranean region and introduced in w. North America and New Zealand (Archibald and Chalmers 1983). In Canada only sw. BC