Thorictodes heydeni
This record describes Thorictodes heydeni (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eyes very small or absent; the antennal club consists of three fused segments; wingsless
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Thorictinae
- Tribe
- Thaumaphrastini
- Genus
- Thorictodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
recorded from stored cereals, rice, pulses, bones, and fishmeal (may be abundant)
Geographic Range
most likely, native to SE Asia, although first described from Egypt (A. Hermann, pers. comm. to =v=); spreads with commerce and now nearly cosmopolitan
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae feed on broken grain and flour (granary pest)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thorictodes heydeni Reitter 1875
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thorictodes heydeni. 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 Thorictodes heydeni (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Thorictodes heydeni
What is Thorictodes heydeni?
Thorictodes heydeni is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Thorictodes heydeni?
Eyes very small or absent; the antennal club consists of three fused segments; wingsless
Where is Thorictodes heydeni found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | recorded from stored cereals, rice, pulses, bones, and fishmeal (may be abundant) |
| Range | most likely, native to SE Asia, although first described from Egypt (A. Hermann, pers. comm. to =v=); spreads with commerce and now nearly cosmopolitan |
What does Thorictodes heydeni eat?
The diet of the Thorictodes heydeni includes adults and larvae feed on broken grain and flour (granary pest).