Glabrous Cabinet Beetle
Trogoderma glabrum
This record describes Trogoderma glabrum (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Glabrous Cabinet Beetle (Trogoderma glabrum) is a species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as carpet beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Megatominae, tribe Megatomini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Bostrichoidea. This species belongs to the genus Trogoderma. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.0-4.2 mm. It is found in granaries, flour mills, occasionally houses (in food) ; sparrow’s nests, and wasp and bee nests where the larvae feed on dead insects. Active during Jun-Aug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Megatominae
- Tribe
- Megatomini
- Genus
- Trogoderma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
granaries, flour mills, occasionally houses (in food) ; sparrow’s nests, and wasp and bee nests where the larvae feed on dead insects
Geographic Range
most of the Palearctic, NA, Mexico ; marked as adventive in Bousquet et al.
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: plant and animal material; develops best on animal feeds, rolled barley, rice and rice flour, cottonseed meal, wheat, shelled corn, and poultry mash ; can live on cereal food alone ; associated with the flowers of Asclepias syriaca
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst 1783)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trogoderma glabrum. 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 Glabrous Cabinet Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Glabrous Cabinet Beetle
What is Glabrous Cabinet Beetle?
Glabrous Cabinet Beetle (Trogoderma glabrum) is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Glabrous Cabinet Beetle?
2.0-4.2 mm
Where is Glabrous Cabinet Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | granaries, flour mills, occasionally houses (in food) ; sparrow’s nests, and wasp and bee nests where the larvae feed on dead insects |
| Range | most of the Palearctic, NA, Mexico ; marked as adventive in Bousquet et al. |
What does Glabrous Cabinet Beetle eat?
The diet of the Glabrous Cabinet Beetle includes plant and animal material; develops best on animal feeds, rolled barley, rice and rice flour, cottonseed meal, wheat, shelled corn, and poultry mash ; can live on cereal food alone ; associated with the flowers of Asclepias syriaca.
When is Glabrous Cabinet Beetle active?
Glabrous Cabinet Beetle: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug ( 5 ).