Olibrus

Erichson, 1845

shining flower beetles

Species Guides

4

Olibrus is a of shining flower beetles ( Phalacridae) containing at least 30 described . Members are small beetles associated with Asteraceae flowers, where they develop and feed. The genus has been studied for its potential in of weedy Asteraceae species. Species occur across Europe and North America, with records from Scandinavia, Denmark, and the northeastern United States.

Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 18 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Olibrus: //oʊˈlaɪbrəs//

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

Images

Habitat

Associated with Asteraceae flowers, particularly Anthemideae; found on flowerheads where larvae develop internally. Specific collection records include Tripleurospermum perforatum and other Anthemideae .

Distribution

Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy) and North America (Vermont, United States).

Diet

Larvae feed on seeds and receptacle tissue of Asteraceae flowerheads. feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Tripleurospermum perforatum (scentless chamomile) - larval development and feedingprimary for O. aeneus; larvae consume seeds and receptacle
  • Anthemideae (Asteraceae) - larval developmentbroad association with multiple in this tribe
  • Asteraceae (general) - and likely collection records from flowers near Mt. Amiata, Italy

Life Cycle

Oviposition period lasts 6–8 weeks. Females accept a broad range of developmental flowerhead stages. Larvae develop internally within flowerheads, with 1.4–1.9 larvae per attacked on average. flowerheads are attacked preferentially over non-apical heads. Approximately 40% of available flowerheads are attacked per plant (range: 10–52%).

Behavior

Oviposition occurs selectively on flowerheads. Females demonstrate resource utilization across multiple developmental stages of inflorescences.

Ecological Role

Seed of Asteraceae; reduces seed production in plants. Potential agent for or weedy Asteraceae , particularly Tripleurospermum perforatum.

Human Relevance

Investigated for of scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum perforatum), an agricultural weed. No other documented economic or cultural significance.

Similar Taxa

  • Cercyon olibrus group (Hydrophilidae)Similar name but unrelated taxonomically; Cercyon is in Hydrophilidae (water scavenger beetles), not Phalacridae. No ecological or morphological similarity.

Tags

Sources and further reading