Bostrichidae

Latreille, 1802

auger beetles, false powderpost beetles, horned powderpost beetles

is a of containing more than 700 described . Members are commonly known as auger beetles, false , or horned powderpost beetles. The family includes significant stored product pests such as the lesser (Rhyzopertha dominica) and the (), as well as wood-boring species. The fossil record extends to the period.

Xylobiops texanus by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Xylobiops basilaris by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Dinoderinae by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bostrichidae: /bɒˈstrɪkɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Most auger have a downwardly directed that cannot be seen from above, as it is hidden by the . Exceptions occur in the and the subfamily Psoinae, where the head is visible from above. Some , such as Bostrychoplites cornutus, possess large and distinctive thoracic horns.

Images

Habitat

The occupies diverse . Many are wood-borers in dead or declining wood of various tree species. Others are significant pests of stored grains and cereal products. Some species are associated with specific plants; for example, the Australian Loranthophila is associated with mistletoe.

Distribution

has a global distribution. occur across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Specific distribution varies by species; for example, Bostrychoplites cornutus is to parts of Africa and Arabia, while originated in Central America and Mexico but has been to Africa.

Diet

of most are , feeding within dead wood. Some species have adapted to stored products; Rhyzopertha dominica and feed on stored grains, with the latter also adapted to dried cassava roots.

Ecological Role

Wood-boring contribute to decomposition of dead wood in forest . Stored product species function as significant agricultural pests, with capable of destroying up to 40 percent of stored grain in three months and causing 52-74 percent losses in stored cassava in Africa.

Human Relevance

Several are major pests of stored agricultural commodities. Rhyzopertha dominica (lesser ) and () cause substantial economic losses in grain facilities globally. Control measures include , , traps, -proof containers, and . Some species are intercepted in international trade, such as Bostrychoplites cornutus in African wooden bowls imported to Europe.

Similar Taxa

Lyctinae is a within , not a separate similar . Members differ from other Bostrichidae in having a visible from above rather than a downwardly directed head hidden by the .
CerambycidaeBoth contain wood-boring , but () have extremely long , often longer than the body, and typically produce clean tunnels rather than -filled tunnels.
BuprestidaeBoth include wood-boring , but () produce tunnels filled with fine sawdust-like and often have a more flattened, metallic appearance.