Lasioderma

Stephens, 1835

cigarette beetles, tobacco beetles

Species Guides

Lasioderma is a of small beetles in the Ptinidae, containing over 50 as of 1990. The genus is best known for Lasioderma serricorne, commonly called the cigarette beetle or tobacco beetle, a major pest of stored products. Members of this genus are associated with dried plant materials and have become distributed globally through human commerce. The genus has been variously classified in Anobiidae or Ptinidae depending on taxonomic treatment.

Lasioderma by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioderma: /ˌlæsiəˈdɜːrmə/

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

Identification

Lasioderma are small beetles, typically 2–3 mm in length, with a rounded, hump-backed profile. The pronotum covers the from above, giving a distinctive compact silhouette. are serrate to weakly clubbed. For definitive identification to , examination of genitalia and other microscopic features is required. Lasioderma serricorne specifically can be recognized by its uniform reddish-brown coloration and the serrate third antennal segment. The genus is distinguished from the related drugstore beetle genus Stegobium by antennal structure and body proportions.

Images

Habitat

in this are primarily associated with stored products and dried plant materials. Lasioderma serricorne inhabits warehouses, pantries, and facilities containing tobacco, spices, cereals, dried fruits, seeds, cocoa, coffee, and other organic substrates. Some Lasioderma species have been collected from living plants, including thistles (Cynaroideae) in southern Greece, indicating broader associations beyond stored products for certain species.

Distribution

distribution, present globally in association with stored products and human commerce. The has been introduced widely through international trade in foodstuffs and other goods.

Human Relevance

Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle) is a significant economic pest causing damage to stored tobacco, food products, spices, dried fish, leather, upholstery, and museum specimens. Larvae are the destructive feeding stage; do not feed on stored products. The has been reported to cause gastrointestinal in humans in rare cases. UV light traps are used for monitoring . The is subject to programs in stored product facilities.

Similar Taxa

StegobiumStegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle) shares similar size, , and pest status. Distinguished by antennal structure: Lasioderma has serrate with the third segment serrate, while Stegobium has a three-segmented antennal club. Lasioderma has a more humped profile.
TrogodermaTrogoderma (warehouse beetles) are also stored product pests in the same . Distinguished by presence of distinctive setal patterns and often more elongate body form in Trogoderma.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The placement of Lasioderma has been variable. Some sources place the in Anobiidae, while modern treatments (Catalogue of Life, NCBI) classify it in Ptinidae. The tribe Lasiodermini is recognized within Xyletininae.

Research Note

Most detailed biological information available for the derives from studies on Lasioderma serricorne. It is uncertain how many of these traits apply to other in the genus. The 1990 estimate of over 50 species has been revised; Catalogue of Life currently lists 36 accepted species.