Dubious Checkered Beetle
Thanasimus dubius
This record describes Thanasimus dubius (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
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Thanasimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mostly on spruce, pine and elm
Geographic Range
e. US to NM (NM-FL-ME-MN) / Ont / Mex
Seasonal Activity
collected in FL in all months except Aug‒Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Young larvae eat bark beetle eggs; older larvae feed on bark beetle larvae, pupae, and adults.
Life History
Overwinter as larvae, pupae, or adults. In early spring adults fly to infested trees and feed as bark beetles emerge. Eggs laid in bark beetle gallery entrance. Pupation in cells in the outer bark.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thanasimus dubius (Fabricius 1776)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thanasimus dubius. 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 Dubious Checkered Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubious Checkered Beetle
How big is Dubious Checkered Beetle?
7‒9 mm
Where is Dubious Checkered Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly on spruce, pine and elm |
| Range | e. US to NM (NM-FL-ME-MN) / Ont / Mex |
What does Dubious Checkered Beetle eat?
The diet of the Dubious Checkered Beetle includes Young larvae eat bark beetle eggs; older larvae feed on bark beetle larvae, pupae, and adults..
When is Dubious Checkered Beetle active?
Dubious Checkered Beetle: seasonal activity - collected in FL in all months except Aug‒Sep.
What is the life cycle of a Dubious Checkered Beetle?
Overwinter as larvae, pupae, or adults. In early spring adults fly to infested trees and feed as bark beetles emerge. Eggs laid in bark beetle gallery entrance. Pupation in cells in the outer bark.