Lasioderma haemorrhoidale

(Illiger, 1807)

Lasioderma haemorrhoidale is a small in the Anobiidae (formerly placed in Ptinidae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been unintentionally introduced to other areas. The is known to feed on seed of Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis), though it has proven ineffective as a agent for this plant. It is one of several stored product pest species in the Lasioderma.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioderma haemorrhoidale: //ˌlæsiəˈdɜːrmə ˌhiːməˈrɔɪdeɪli//

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

Identification

Distinguished from by combination of morphological characters; specifically, the are roughened (asperate) in contrast to the smooth elytra of Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle). The specific epithet 'haemorrhoidale' refers to reddish coloration. As with other Lasioderma , are small (approximately 2-3 mm), cylindrical, and reddish-brown in color.

Images

Habitat

Associated with stored products and dry organic materials; Mediterranean region of origin suggests warm, dry conditions. have been observed on flowering plants in field settings.

Distribution

Native to Mediterranean region of Europe and Northern Africa; introduced to North America and other regions. Distribution records include Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and Africa. Specific locality records include Santa Maria (Azores, Portugal).

Diet

Feeds on seed of Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis). Diet likely includes other dried plant materials typical of anobiid beetles, though specific records are limited.

Host Associations

Centaurea melitensis - feeds onMalta starthistle; seed specifically

Behavior

are attracted to ultraviolet light, as has been documented in congeneric Lasioderma serricorne. Phototactic suggests potential for light-based monitoring methods.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; seed . Has been evaluated as a potential agent for Malta starthistle but demonstrated limited effectiveness in suppressing the plant.

Human Relevance

Minor significance as a stored product pest; less economically important than the congeneric cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne). Unintentional introduction to non-native regions has been documented.

Similar Taxa

Lasioderma serricorneCigarette beetle; distinguished by smooth (non-asperate) and greater economic importance as stored product pest
Stegobium paniceumDrugstore beetle; similar size and habits but belongs to different within Anobiidae; distinguished by antennal club with three segments and different orientation

More Details

Taxonomic Note

placement has varied between Ptinidae and Anobiidae in different classifications; currently accepted as Anobiidae in GBIF and other modern sources.

Biological Control History

Introduced to North America as a agent for Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis), but established failed to provide meaningful suppression of the target weed.