Nitidulidae
Guides
Acanthogethes fuscus
pollen beetle
Acanthogethes fuscus is a species of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of Nitidulidae, it is associated with pollen and decaying plant materials, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Aethina tumida
Small Hive Beetle, SHB
Aethina tumida is an invasive pest beetle native to sub-Saharan Africa that has spread globally, causing significant damage to European honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Adults are small, reddish-brown to dark brown beetles with clubbed antennae. Females can lay up to 2,000 eggs, and larvae feed on bee brood, honey, and pollen, producing frass that promotes fungal fermentation and creates a slimy, unusable mess in hives. The species has demonstrated potential for beneficial use in circular economy applications, converting excess bee pollen into animal feed and biomanure.
Afrogethes
pollen beetles
Afrogethes is a genus of pollen beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Audisio & Cline in 2009. The genus contains at least two described species: Afrogethes canadensis and Afrogethes saevus. Species in this genus are associated with pollen-feeding habits characteristic of many nitidulid beetles.
Afrogethes saevus
pollen beetle
Afrogethes saevus is a species of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Amphicrossus
Amphicrossus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae. The genus was established by Erichson in 1843 and contains approximately nine described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are associated with decaying plant matter and fermenting sap flows.
Amphicrossus ciliatus
sap-feeding beetle
Amphicrossus ciliatus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. As a member of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials, sap flows, and fungal substrates.
Amphotis
sap-feeding beetles
Amphotis is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across Europe and North America. At least one species, A. marginata, has been documented as a phoretic host for mites in European Russia.
Amphotis schwarzi
Amphotis schwarzi is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Ulke in 1887. The species is known from North America and belongs to a genus characterized by association with fermenting plant materials and sap flows. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Amphotis ulkei
Amphotis ulkei is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, described by LeConte in 1866. The genus Amphotis is taxonomically unusual within Nitidulidae, with species exhibiting distinctive morphological adaptations. Records indicate presence in North America, including Alberta, Canada, though detailed natural history information appears sparse in available sources.
Brachypeplus
sap beetle
Brachypeplus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae. The genus contains at least two described species. Detailed life stage descriptions are available for Brachypeplus glaber, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult morphology. DNA barcoding and rearing methods have been used to confirm life stage identifications for this species.
Brachypeplus basalis
Brachypeplus basalis is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, described by Erichson in 1842. The genus Brachypeplus belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with fermenting or decaying plant materials, fungi, and occasionally flowers. As a member of Nitidulidae, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic compact body form and clubbed antennae. Records indicate presence in the conterminous United States.
Brachypeplus glaber
Brachypeplus glaber is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. It is the first New World Brachypeplus species for which complete life stage descriptions are available, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The species is found in North America.
Brassicogethes aeneus
common pollen beetle, rape pollen beetle, rape blossom beetle
Brassicogethes aeneus is a small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae and a major pest of oilseed rape (canola) and other Brassica crops across Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Adults are 2–3 mm long, metallic black with greenish reflections, while larvae reach 3 mm and are white with brown sclerotized plates. The species causes significant economic damage through adult feeding and oviposition in flower buds, which can lead to bud abortion and yield losses up to 80% in spring oilseed rape. It was previously classified under the genus Meligethes. Populations show low genetic structure across Europe, indicating substantial gene flow, and are subject to biological control by hymenopteran parasitoids.
Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus
Brassicogethes aeneus dauricus is a subspecies of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The nominate form, B. aeneus, is a significant agricultural pest of oilseed rape and other Brassicaceae crops across Europe and Asia. The subspecies dauricus is associated with the Daurian region of Transbaikalia in eastern Russia. Like other members of the genus, it is likely adapted to temperate climates with phenology tied to flowering periods of its host plants.
Brassicogethes cleominis
pollen beetle
Brassicogethes cleominis is a pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae, a group of beetles commonly associated with flowers and pollen feeding. The species was described by Easton in 1959. It is known from North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Brassicogethes, it is likely associated with plants in the family Cleomaceae, suggested by its specific epithet.
Brassicogethes simplipes
pollen beetle
Brassicogethes simplipes is a pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae, originally described as Meligethes simplipes by Easton in 1947. It is native to North America with confirmed records from eastern Canadian provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. As a member of the genus Brassicogethes, it is associated with pollen-feeding habits common to this group.
Brassicogethes viridescens
pollen beetle
A small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Europe, northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of its family, it is associated with flowers and pollen-feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Camptodes
Camptodes is a genus of small sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed across multiple continents. Members are associated with fermenting plant sap and decaying organic matter.
Camptodes texanus
Glossy Tropical Sap Beetle
Camptodes texanus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. The species occurs in North America and is known by the common name Glossy Tropical Sap Beetle. Like other members of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal growths.
Caplothorax
sap beetles
Caplothorax is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae. The genus comprises 11 described species distributed across North America and Europe. It was established by Kirejtshuk in 1997. GBIF lists Caplothorax as a synonym of Carpophilus, though iNaturalist maintains it as a valid genus with over 500 observations.
Caplothorax californicus
Caplothorax californicus is a species of beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as sap beetles. The genus Caplothorax is a small and poorly studied group within this family. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or distribution of this particular species. The specific epithet "californicus" indicates a type locality or primary association with California.
Caplothorax melanopterus
Yucca Beetle
Caplothorax melanopterus, commonly known as the Yucca Beetle, is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is associated with yucca plants, which provide both food and habitat. The species has been documented across arid regions of western North America. Its common name reflects this close ecological relationship with yucca.
Caplothorax sayi
Caplothorax sayi is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, a group commonly associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates. The genus Caplothorax is relatively obscure, with limited published documentation. As of current records, this species has been documented through 16 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported. No formal species-level description or ecological study has been identified in the provided sources.
Carpophilinae
Carpophilinae is a subfamily of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) comprising at least 70 described species across six genera: Amphicrossus, Aphenolia, Carpophilus, Caplothorax, Epuraea, Nitops, and Urophorus. Recent phylogenetic studies have reclassified the group, elevating Caplothorax to generic rank and confirming the monophyly of Nitops, Urophorus, and Caplothorax. The subfamily exhibits multiple independent origins of anthophily (flower-visiting behavior), a trait that has evolved convergently across lineages.
Carpophilus antiquus
Carpophilus antiquus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is native to North America. The species has been observed to produce a novel pheromone when feeding on wheat, yeast, or corn, which attracts conspecifics and sympatric species and can lead to beetle infestations.
Carpophilus dimidiatus
cornsap beetle, corn sap beetle
Carpophilus dimidiatus, commonly known as the cornsap beetle or corn sap beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is a stored product pest with documented associations with walnuts and wheat bran. The species has been recorded in Oceania, Europe, North America, and parts of South America including Northwestern Argentina. Laboratory studies have characterized its temperature- and humidity-dependent development and oviposition patterns.
Carpophilus discoideus
Disk-shaped Sap Beetle
Carpophilus discoideus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is found in North America. The species is one of approximately 40 species in the genus Carpophilus, which are commonly known as sap beetles or picnic beetles. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with fermenting or decaying plant material.
Carpophilus hemipterus
dried-fruit beetle
Carpophilus hemipterus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae known as the dried-fruit beetle. It is a cosmopolitan pest of ripening and dried fruits, with documented infestations on dates, litchi, mango, guava, papaya, and stone fruits. The species exhibits strong aggregation behavior mediated by pheromones and shows phototactic flight responses that transition readily to vegetative orientation upon encountering food odors. It completes multiple generations per season in warm climates, with population peaks correlating with temperature and humidity optima. Both adults and larvae cause direct damage to fruits and can vector microorganisms associated with fermentation and aflatoxin production.
Carpophilus mutilatus
confused sap beetle, flower beetle
Carpophilus mutilatus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, commonly known as the confused sap beetle or flower beetle. The species has a broad distribution spanning Oceania, Europe, North America, and temperate Asia. As a member of the genus Carpophilus, it shares the family's characteristic association with fermenting plant materials and decaying vegetation.
Carpophilus pilosellus
Carpophilus pilosellus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It has been established as a junior synonym of Carpophilus marginellus Motschulsky, 1858 based on examination of type specimens. The species belongs to a genus containing several agricultural pests, though specific biological details for C. pilosellus itself remain poorly documented.
Colopterus
Colopterus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, containing approximately 10 described species. Species in this genus are associated with fermenting substrates and plant material. At least one species, C. truncatus, has been documented as a seed predator of Inga marginata and produces male-specific aggregation pheromones.
Colopterus maculatus
spotted sap beetle
Colopterus maculatus is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is found in North America. The species is part of a group of beetles commonly associated with fermenting plant sap, decaying fruit, and fungal growth.
Colopterus niger
Colopterus niger is a small sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Carpophilus niger in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing systematic revisions within the genus. It occurs in North America and belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates.
Colopterus posticus
Colopterus posticus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus of small beetles commonly associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal growth.
Colopterus semitectus
Colopterus semitectus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is known from North America with records from multiple Canadian provinces including Ontario, Québec, and Saskatchewan.
Colopterus truncatus
Colopterus truncatus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae with a broad distribution across the Americas. It has been documented as a seed predator of Inga marginata in Brazil, representing the first record of this trophic interaction. Males produce a species-specific aggregation pheromone composed of polyene hydrocarbons that attracts both sexes, with field activity requiring synergism with fermenting substrates. The species has also been identified as a principal vector of oak wilt fungus in Minnesota, highlighting its significance in both agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Conotelus
obscure sap beetle
Conotelus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least four described species, including the obscure sap beetle (Conotelus obscurus). Members of this genus are part of the subfamily Cillaeinae and tribe Conotelini. They are found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont.
Conotelus fuscipennis
Conotelus fuscipennis is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, a group commonly known as sap beetles. The species is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Conotelus, it is associated with fermenting or decaying plant materials. Information on this species remains limited, with only four observation records documented on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Conotelus mexicanus
Conotelus mexicanus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Murray in 1864. It has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning Central America, North America, and Oceania. The species belongs to a family commonly known as sap beetles, which are typically associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates.
Cryptarcha
Cryptarcha is a genus of sap beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Shuckard in 1839. The genus contains at least 17 described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are associated with cactus cultivation, where they can cause significant agricultural damage. Members exhibit both phytophagous and saprophagous feeding behaviors.
Cryptarcha concinna
Cryptarcha concinna is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1853. As a member of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials and sap flows.
Cryptarcha sp-one-ariz
Cryptarcha sp-one-ariz is an undescribed or provisionally designated species within the genus Cryptarcha, a group of sap beetles (family Nitidulidae) found in Arizona. Species in this genus are associated with fermenting plant exudates and fungal substrates. The specific epithet 'sp-one-ariz' indicates this represents a distinct morphospecies recognized from Arizona collections, pending formal taxonomic description.
Cryptarchinae
Cryptarchinae is a subfamily of sap-feeding beetles within the family Nitidulidae. The subfamily contains at least 3 genera—Cryptarcha, Glischrochilus, and Pityophagus—and approximately 17 described species. Members are associated with subcortical habitats and sap flows on trees, particularly conifers. The genus Glischrochilus has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision revealing cryptic species diversity in northern Europe.
Cychramus
Cychramus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Kugelann in 1794. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are associated with fermenting plant sap and fungal substrates. They are small beetles typical of the sap beetle guild, though specific ecological details for the genus remain limited.
Cyllodes
Cyllodes is a genus of small beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species. Members of this genus are classified as sap-feeding beetles, placing them within the ecological guild of organisms that utilize plant exudates and fermenting materials. The genus belongs to the tribe Cyllodini within the subfamily Nitidulinae.
Epuraea
sap beetles
Epuraea is a genus of small sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed across northern temperate regions. Epuraea species are primarily associated with fermenting plant materials, fungal sporulation structures, and decaying organic matter. Several species have documented relationships with specific fungal pathogens of trees, including western gall rust and oak wilt fungus. The genus exhibits considerable ecological diversity, with some species occurring in bumblebee nests and others developing on agricultural crops.
Epuraea aestiva
Epuraea aestiva is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It has been recorded as an inquiline in nests of the bumble bee Bombus derhamellus, where its larvae and pupae develop. The species is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, including Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America.
Epuraea alternans
Epuraea alternans is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, described by Grouvelle in 1912. The genus Epuraea comprises small beetles commonly associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates. Records indicate presence in North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Epuraea alternata
Epuraea alternata is a small sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, described by Parsons in 1969. The species is known from North America, with records from Vermont and other U.S. states. As a member of Epuraea, it likely shares the genus's association with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Epuraea ambigua
Epuraea ambigua is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is native to North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada and Alaska, United States. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843. As a member of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials and fungal substrates.