Strawberry Sap Beetle
Stelidota geminata
This record describes Stelidota geminata (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
significant pest of strawberries and a few other fruit crops in the Northeast ( Loeb & Loughner 2006 )
Wikipedia reference for Stelidota geminata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelidota_geminata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nitidulinae
- Tribe
- Nitidulini
- Genus
- Stelidota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA (QC‒FL to ON‒WI‒TX) & CA to S.America ; invasive in many parts of the world
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on damaged and rotting fruits and vegetables
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stelidota geminata (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Stelidota geminata. 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 Strawberry Sap Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Sap Beetle
What is Strawberry Sap Beetle?
Strawberry Sap Beetle (Stelidota geminata) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Strawberry Sap Beetle?
2.0‒3.0 mm
Where is Strawberry Sap Beetle found?
Range: e.NA (QC‒FL to ON‒WI‒TX) & CA to S.America ; invasive in many parts of the world
What does Strawberry Sap Beetle eat?
The diet of the Strawberry Sap Beetle includes on damaged and rotting fruits and vegetables.