Nitidulidae

Guides

  • Soronia grisea

    Soronia grisea is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. As a member of the sap-feeding beetle family, it is associated with fermentation and decaying plant materials.

  • 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.

  • Stelidota octomaculata

    Stelidota octomaculata is a small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, endemic to North America. Adults overwinter in forest litter and feed primarily on acorns, particularly damaged or germinating ones, beginning in March. Reproduction occurs in spring and early summer inside acorns both above and below ground. The species has been described as a chemical 'generalist' but behavioral 'specialist' compared to its congener S. geminata, showing reduced locomotion rates and different host-finding strategies. Laboratory studies indicate a life cycle of approximately 34 days at 22-26°C, with females producing up to 933 offspring.

  • Thalycra

    Thalycra is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least 20 described species. These beetles are attracted to lights at night and are associated with fermenting plant materials.

  • Thalycra carolina

    Thalycra carolina is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Wickham in 1920. It is native to North America. Members of the genus Thalycra are associated with fermenting plant materials and sap flows.

  • Urophorus

    Urophorus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, containing at least two described species. The genus is characterized by association with fermenting plant material and fruit. Urophorus humeralis, commonly known as the pineapple beetle, has been documented as a pest of pear fruits in Chinese orchards. The genus is distinguished from related nitidulids by morphological features, though specific diagnostic traits require detailed examination.