Calopteron reticulatum

Distinguished from the closely related Calopteron discrepans (which shares the common name 'banded net-winged beetle') by specific pattern details. The reticulated surface texture of the elytra separates it from smooth-winged mimics such as soldier beetles (Cantharidae) and some longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The soft, flexible elytra distinguish Lycidae from most other beetle families.

Adults have black and orange or yellow banded elytra with a reticulated (net-like) surface texture characteristic of the family Lycidae. The wing covers are soft and flexible rather than hardened like most beetles. The overall body form is somewhat flattened and elongated.

Adults are found in areas with dead or decaying trees, which serve as oviposition sites and pupation sites. Larvae occur in leaf litter. The species is associated with forested and woodland environments where suitable decaying wood and leaf litter are present.

North America, including Canada (Ontario, Québec), the United States, and Mexico.

Adults are active during the day; in temperate regions, activity likely peaks in late summer and autumn based on related species' phenology.

Adults feed on nectar and honeydew secreted by aphids and related insects. Larvae are predatory, hunting and consuming other small arthropods in leaf litter.

Eggs are laid on dead or decaying trees. Larvae develop in leaf litter, feeding on small arthropods. Pupation occurs in dead trees. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Adults are diurnal. Net-winged beetles may raise and lower their elytra in a display behavior, though this has been specifically documented in related species. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with other aposematically colored beetles.

Larvae function as predators in leaf litter food webs. Adults may contribute to nutrient cycling through their feeding on honeydew and nectar. The species serves as a model in Müllerian mimicry complexes, reinforcing predator learning about aposematic coloration shared with other chemically defended insects.

Not a significant pest. Like other Lycidae, adults are visually conspicuous and may be encountered by naturalists and entomologists. The species has no known economic importance.

• Calopteron discrepansShares the common name 'banded net-winged beetle' and has similar black and orange banding; requires careful examination to distinguish
• Calopteron terminaleAnother North American Calopteron species with similar color pattern and reticulated elytra; occurs in same mimicry complex
• Chauliognathus basalis (Colorado Soldier Beetle)Mimics Calopteron species in color pattern but has smooth, hardened elytra and different body proportions
• Chauliognathus deceptusSimilar mimicry relationship as C. basalis, with overlapping geographic range in some areas
• Crossidius discoideusBatesian mimic of the soldier beetle/lycid color pattern; distinguished by long antennae and different body form

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Answer to ID Challenge #4 – Aetalion reticulatum | Beetles In The Bush
• Historical cave snail collection rediscovered in the attic
• Bug Eric: A Beetle Mimicry Complex
• Pyromorpha dimidiata | Beetles In The Bush