Tarsostenus univittatus
This record describes Tarsostenus univittatus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tarsosteninae
- Genus
- Tarsostenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
recorded from many hardwoods, lumber infested with various Bostrichidae
Geographic Range
adventive to CA, TX, FL, OH, IN (most records from ports or interceptions) - Map (BG data), native to southern hemisphere (Australia?), now cosmopolitan
Diet and Behavior
Diet: preys on Bostrichidae ( Lyctus and Sinoxylon spp.) and Anobiidae that damage commercially transported manufactured hardwoods ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; in NA, feeds on several species of borers in hardwoods ( 6 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tarsostenus univittatus. 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 Tarsostenus univittatus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by McClarinJ , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tarsostenus univittatus
How big is Tarsostenus univittatus?
4-5 mm
Where is Tarsostenus univittatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | recorded from many hardwoods, lumber infested with various Bostrichidae |
| Range | adventive to CA, TX, FL, OH, IN (most records from ports or interceptions) - Map (BG data), native to southern hemisphere (Australia?), now cosmopolitan |
What does Tarsostenus univittatus eat?
The diet of the Tarsostenus univittatus includes preys on Bostrichidae ( Lyctus and Sinoxylon spp.) and Anobiidae that damage commercially transported manufactured hardwoods ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; in NA, feeds on several species of borers in hardwoods ( 6 ).