Symbiotes gibberosus
This record describes Symbiotes gibberosus (species). Recorded family: Anamorphidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Source: discussion with F.W. Shockley & own observations in Europe
Wikipedia reference for Symbiotes gibberosus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbiotes_gibberosus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Anamorphidae
- Genus
- Symbiotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
treehole litter, moldy grain (extremely common and easily spread as a secondary stored product pest)
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic, adventive and now widespread in NA (ON-NY-ID to FL-OH-KS-CA) ; the only representative of the genus in the west and the most commonly encountered anywhere in NA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Symbiotes gibberosus (Lucas 1846)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Symbiotes gibberosus. 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 Symbiotes gibberosus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch
Frequently Asked Questions About Symbiotes gibberosus
What is Symbiotes gibberosus?
Symbiotes gibberosus is a species in the family Anamorphidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Symbiotes gibberosus?
1.5-1.8 mm
Where is Symbiotes gibberosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | treehole litter, moldy grain (extremely common and easily spread as a secondary stored product pest) |
| Range | native to w. Palaearctic, adventive and now widespread in NA (ON-NY-ID to FL-OH-KS-CA) ; the only representative of the genus in the west and the most commonly encountered anywhere in NA |
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