ColeopteraCleridae – Checkered Beetles

Trichodes apivorus

This record describes Trichodes apivorus (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Trichodes apivorus - Trichodes apivorus
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Trichodes apivorus (Trichodes apivorus) is a species in the family Cleridae, commonly known as checkered beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Clerinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cleroidea. This species belongs to the genus Trichodes. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 7-15 mm. Active during May-Jul at lower elevations in NC.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Cleroidea
Family
Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
Subfamily
Clerinae
Genus
Trichodes

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e US (MA-FL to NE-TX) / Mex. - Map , almost all records e. of the Appalachians

Seasonal Activity

May-Jul at lower elevations in NC ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Trichodes apivorus Germar 1824

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichodes apivorus. 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 Trichodes apivorus (5)

Trichodes apivorus - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichodes apivorus - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichodes apivorus - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichodes apivorus - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichodes apivorus - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Trichodes apivorus

What is Trichodes apivorus?

Trichodes apivorus is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Trichodes apivorus?

7-15 mm

Where is Trichodes apivorus found?

Range: e US (MA-FL to NE-TX) / Mex. - Map , almost all records e. of the Appalachians

When is Trichodes apivorus active?

Trichodes apivorus: seasonal activity - May-Jul at lower elevations in NC ( 3 ).

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

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