Bitoma

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
Family: Zopheridae
Subfamily: Colydiinae
Tribe: Synchitini
Genus: Bitoma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bitoma: /bɪˈtoʊmə/

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

Images

Bitoma crenata TP01 by Tobias 67. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Bitoma crenata head by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Bitoma-crenata-03-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Bitoma crenata under by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Bitoma crenata side by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Bitoma crenata elytra by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Bitoma is a genus of cylindrical bark beetles belonging to the family Zopheridae, consisting of approximately 14 described species in certain regions and more than 100 known worldwide. The beetles inhabit various plant materials and contribute to decomposition processes.

Physical Characteristics

Cylindrical body shape, 2.5‒3.5 mm in length, various species exhibit different coloration and markings.

Identification Tips

Key to species can be found in Stephan (1989).

Habitat

Primarily found under bark, in injured or dead cacti, agave, yucca plants, nest piles of packrats, and flood debris.

Distribution

Approximately 14 species in the local area, with 8 species found in the eastern regions and 6 in the western regions; more diverse towards the southern regions; ~30 species in the New World; >100 species worldwide.

Diet

Feeding primarily on decaying wood and plant materials.

Ecosystem Role

Important decomposers in their ecological niche, contributing to the breakdown of dead plant material.