Deathwatch Beetle
Xestobium rufovillosum
This record describes Xestobium rufovillosum (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
adults probably do not fly, but can raise wing covers and flutter hind wings; tapping is usually heard in spring when adults emerge
Wikipedia reference for Xestobium rufovillosum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deathwatch_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ernobiinae
- Tribe
- Xestobiini
- Genus
- Xestobium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in oak and especially wood that has been previously attacked by decay fungi; indoors it usually infests wood that has been exposed to excessive moisture
Geographic Range
subcosmopolitan, native to Europe, adventive in NA [New England, IL ]
Diet and Behavior
Life History
takes 2–3 (up to 10) years; adults do not feed and live about 10 weeks
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xestobium rufovillosum (DeGeer 1774)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xestobium rufovillosum. 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 Deathwatch Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Deathwatch Beetle
What is Deathwatch Beetle?
Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Deathwatch Beetle?
6–7.5 mm
Where is Deathwatch Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in oak and especially wood that has been previously attacked by decay fungi; indoors it usually infests wood that has been exposed to excessive moisture |
| Range | subcosmopolitan, native to Europe, adventive in NA [New England, IL ] |
What is the life cycle of a Deathwatch Beetle?
takes 2–3 (up to 10) years; adults do not feed and live about 10 weeks