Confused Flour Beetle
Tribolium confusum
This record describes Tribolium confusum (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see Probably the most serious pest of the genus Tribolium and one of the most economically important beetles These beetles aggregate. At intermediate levels they are randomly distributed. With heavy infestations they are uniformly distributed. This spacing is due to secretions of quinones from thoracic and abdominal glands, serving as a repellent above a certain concentration.
Identification notes
see
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Tenebrioninae
- Tribe
- Triboliini
- Genus
- Tribolium (Flour Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
probably the most common contaminant of flour, cereal, prepared flour mixes, dried fruits/nuts, and various spices
Geographic Range
most of our area - Map , of African origin , now cosmopolitan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tribolium confusum Jaqcquelin du Val 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tribolium confusum. 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 Confused Flour Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Confused Flour Beetle
What is Confused Flour Beetle?
Confused Flour Beetle (Tribolium confusum) is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Confused Flour Beetle?
see
Where is Confused Flour Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | probably the most common contaminant of flour, cereal, prepared flour mixes, dried fruits/nuts, and various spices |
| Range | most of our area - Map , of African origin , now cosmopolitan |