ColeopteraTenebrionidae – Darkling Beetles

Xylopinus saperdoides

This record describes Xylopinus saperdoides (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Xylopinus saperdoides - Xylopinus saperdoides
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky

Identification notes

Det. E. G. Riley, 2010

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Stenochiinae
Tribe
Cnodalonini
Genus
Xylopinus

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

Habitat and Range

Habitat

under bark

Geographic Range

e.NA (NS‒s.FL to MN‒c.TX) - Map

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Xylopinus saperdoides (Olivier 1795)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylopinus saperdoides. 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 Xylopinus saperdoides (5)

Xylopinus saperdoides - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky
Xylopinus saperdoides - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky
Xylopinus saperdoides - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky
Xylopinus saperdoides - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky
Xylopinus saperdoides - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky

Frequently Asked Questions About Xylopinus saperdoides

How big is Xylopinus saperdoides?

11.2‒16.3 mm

How do you identify Xylopinus saperdoides?

Det. E. G. Riley, 2010

Where is Xylopinus saperdoides found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatunder bark
Rangee.NA (NS‒s.FL to MN‒c.TX) - Map

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

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Blocky. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.