Xylopsocus capucinus
This record describes Xylopsocus capucinus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Forestry Images
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bostrichinae
- Tribe
- Xyloperthini
- Genus
- Xylopsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to SE Asia, established in FL (probably arrived via Africa or S America)[Cite:185010]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: polyphagous[Cite:185010], reared in numbers in FL from dead mangrove limbs
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xylopsocus capucinus (Fabricius 1781)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xylopsocus capucinus. 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 Xylopsocus capucinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xylopsocus capucinus
How big is Xylopsocus capucinus?
3-5.5 mm[Cite:185010]
How do you identify Xylopsocus capucinus?
Forestry Images
Where is Xylopsocus capucinus found?
Range: native to SE Asia, established in FL (probably arrived via Africa or S America)[Cite:185010]
What does Xylopsocus capucinus eat?
The diet of the Xylopsocus capucinus includes polyphagous[Cite:185010], reared in numbers in FL from dead mangrove limbs.