ColeopteraZopheridae – Ironclad Beetles

Synchita fuliginosa

This record describes Synchita fuliginosa (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Synchita fuliginosa - Synchita fuliginosa
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Synchita fuliginosa (Synchita fuliginosa) is a species in the family Zopheridae, commonly known as ironclad beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Colydiinae, tribe Synchitini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Synchita. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 1.8-3.0 mm. It is found in common under bark of dead hardwoods ; on tree bark infested with fungus, especially Endothia.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
Subfamily
Colydiinae
Tribe
Synchitini
Genus
Synchita

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

common under bark of dead hardwoods ( 6 ) ( 8 ) ; on tree bark infested with fungus, especially Endothia ( 9 )

Geographic Range

e. NA (NS-FL to SK-c.TX) / ne Mex. - Map

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Adults eat fungus, including Endothia ( E. parasitica causes the Chestnut blight )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Synchita fuliginosa Melsheimer 1846

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Synchita fuliginosa. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Synchita fuliginosa (5)

Synchita fuliginosa - photo 1
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Synchita fuliginosa - photo 2
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Synchita fuliginosa - photo 3
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Synchita fuliginosa - photo 4
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Synchita fuliginosa - photo 5
Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Synchita fuliginosa

What is Synchita fuliginosa?

Synchita fuliginosa is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Synchita fuliginosa?

1.8-3.0 mm

Where is Synchita fuliginosa found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatcommon under bark of dead hardwoods ( 6 ) ( 8 ) ; on tree bark infested with fungus, especially Endothia ( 9 )
Rangee. NA (NS-FL to SK-c.TX) / ne Mex. - Map
What does Synchita fuliginosa eat?

The diet of the Synchita fuliginosa includes Adults eat fungus, including Endothia ( E. parasitica causes the Chestnut blight ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.