Chemical-generalist
Guides
Stelidota geminata
strawberry sap beetle
Stelidota geminata, commonly known as the strawberry sap beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. This small beetle has a broad host range and is widely distributed across Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Research indicates it functions as a chemical 'generalist' in host-finding behavior, responding to a wide variety of host volatiles rather than specializing on specific chemical cues. It is known to be associated with fermenting fruit, particularly strawberries (Fragaria spp.), and exhibits both phototactic flights and host-orienting flights when locating food sources. The species has been introduced to various regions outside its native range and is considered a pest of strawberry crops.