Click Beetles of the Southeastern United States
From Occasional Papers.
A ten-year survey of the Elateridae of the southeastern United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) is presented, resulting in 286 species. Keys to genera and species are provided. …read more
A Taxonomic Monograph of the Bark and Ambrosia Beetles of the West Indies
From Occasional Papers.
The bark beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) of the West Indies is reviewed. Keys to the subfamilies, tribes, genera and species of the West Indies are presented. Three hundred and eighty-six species in 74 genera are included. …read more
Pallidus beetle, Delphastus pallidus LeConte
From Entomology Circulars.
Genus Delphastus Casey are small whitefly-specific predatory ladybird beetles belonging to the coccinellid tribe Serangiini. They feed on all immature stages of whitefly and are reared and sold commercially all over the world for this purpose. …read more
Ladybird Beetles
From Entomology Circulars.
Since the publication of the Florida beetles checklist (Peck and Thomas 1998), a number of ladybird beetles have become established in the state, some well-known and extensively documented (e.g., Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Anovia circumclusa (Gorham)) and some little noticed and previously unreported. …read more
The Asiatic Garden Beetle, Maladera Castanea (Arrow 1913)
From Entomology Circulars.
The Asiatic garden beetle, Maladera castanea (Arrow), has been a pest in the northeastern United States since the 1920s. Generally not as abundant or damaging as the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman), the Asiatic garden beetle is occasionally numerous enough to cause damage to turf, gardens and field crops, as well as simply being a nuisance. …read more
Ips Engraver Beetles
From Entomology Circulars.
Pine bark beetles are frequent pests of stressed pines (Pinus spp.) in the southern United States. The five most common southern pine bark beetle species include three in the genus Ips (the six-spined engraver, I. …read more
A Checklist of the Beetles of Cuba with Data on Distributions and Bionomics
From Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.
Abstract This summary of the beetle fauna of Cuba lists 87 families, 954 genera, and 2,673 species plus three families, three genera, and three species of strepsipterans. Many families in Cuba are poorly or not at all studied and additional species will be found. …read more
The Cypress Weevil, Eudociminus mannerheimii (Boheman)
From Entomology Circulars.
The cypress weevil, Eudociminus mannerheimii (Boheman), is a native insect that breeds primarily in scarred, weakened, or fallen bald cypress (Taxodium distichum [L.] L.C. Rich) and pond cypress (T. ascendens Brongn.). In Florida, adult feeding has caused limited wounding and girdling of pond cypress stump sprouts and planted seedlings. …read more
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall
From Entomology Circulars.
The first Florida specimens of an exotic species of Myllocerus were collected in Davie, Broward County on 25 September 2000 by D. McLean. Three specimens were sent to the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) and were then forwarded to the senior author (C.W. …read more
The Black Turpentine Beetle, Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier)
From Entomology Circulars.
The black turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier)), or BTB, is one of five common species of pine bark beetles in the southeastern United States. Black turpentine beetles bore into the inner bark of stressed or injured pines (Pinus spp.), …read more
An Asian Ground Beetle, Mochtherus tetraspilotus (MacLeay), in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Mochtherus tetraspilotus (MacLeay) was first detected in southern Florida in 1992 from 2 specimens taken at mercury light by Vince Golia in Palm Beach Co. These specimens remained unidentified until 1999 when Danny Shpeley, of the University of Alberta, determined them to be Mochtherus. …read more
The genus Eburia Audinet-Serville in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The large, mostly Neotropical longhorn beetle genus Eburia is represented by 10 or 11 species in the United States. Four species occur in Florida. Two additional species have been recorded from the state, but may not actually occur here. …read more
Revision Of The Genus Selonodon Latreille
From Occasional Papers.
The genus Selonodon Latreille is revised, with a key to males and descriptions provided for 25 species. Nomenclatural history of the name Selonodon is reviewed. Cebrionid biology is discussed, including geographic distribution and phenology or selected Selonodon species. …read more
A Distributional Checklist of the Beetles (Coleoptera) of Florida
From Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.
The Arthropods of Florida series has now progressed through 30 years, since the inaugural publication of the series in 1965 with the catalog of Florida Lepidoptera. It is perhaps fitting that the beginning of the next period of years should be a catalog/checklist of beetles for Florida. …read more
A Flower Beetle, Euphoria sepulcralis (Fabricius), in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Euphoria sepulcralis (Fabricius) is a common, day-flying scarab in Florida and much of the eastern half of the United States, and one of the beetles most frequently submitted to the Entomology Section for identification. …read more
The Primitive Weevils of Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The Brentinae (Brentidae of earlier authors) or primitive weevils is a relatively small, primarily tropical group represented in the eastern United States by only four species, three of which are restricted to extreme southern Florida. …read more
The Larger Elm Leaf Beetle, Monocesta coryli (Say), an Occasional Pest of Elms in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The larger elm leaf beetle, Monocesta coryli (Say), is one of the most conspicuous members of Florida’s leaf beetle fauna. Although usually uncommonly collected in this state, it occasionally is abundant enough to cause defoliation of both native and exotic elms (Ulmus spp.) …read more
The Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann
From Entomology Circulars.
The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, is the most destructive insect pest of pine in the southern United States. A recent historical review estimated that SPB caused $900 million of damage to pine forests from 1960 through 1990 (Price et al. …read more
Chelymorpha cribraria (Fabricius), a Neotropical Tortoise Beetle New to Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
In September of 1993 a single specimen of an exotic tortoise beetle was collected on a species of lpomoea (Convolvulaceae) in a weedy lot in Davie, Broward Co. Further collecting turned up additional specimens at the original site and at other localities in Broward County. …read more
The Flat Bark Beetles of Florida
From Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.
It is well-known that some flat bark beetles are serious pests of stored grains. Little is published, however, about the biology or pest potential of most species of flat bark beetles._The first step in exploring the biology of these beetles for any geographic area must be a knowledge of the species [occurring] in the region. …read more
Pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (Linnaeus): A potential threat to Florida pines
From Entomology Circulars.
Tomicusp iniperda (Linnaeus), a pine shoot beetle native to Europe, was first discovered in the United States in July of this year in a Christmas tree plantation in Ohio. Since then, intensive surveying by the U.S. …read more
The Rove Beetles of Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Rove beetles are often abundant in habitats with large numbers of fly larvae – decaying fruit, carrion, and dung – where they are important predators of maggots. Because they are abundant in decaying fruit, they often are encountered during fruit fly surveys, but frequently are not recognized as beetles. …read more
Pine Reproduction Weevils, Hylobius pales (Herbst) & Pachylobius picivorus (Germar)
From Entomology Circulars.
The pales weevil, Hylobius pales (Herbst), and the pitch-eating weevil, Pachylobius picivorus (Gennar), are common pests of young pines growing on recently cutover pine lands and Christmas tree plantations (Lynch 1984, Nord et al. …read more
The species of Metamasius in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The weevil genus Metamasius Hom is composed of approximately 100 Neotropical species, one of which naturally occurs in South Florida. These medium-sized, often brightly colored weevils generally breed in palms, orchids, bananas and plantains, sugarcane, and bromeliads, including pineapples. …read more
The Bothrideridae and Colydiidae of America north of Mexico
From Occasional Papers.
Ninety species, representing 7 genera of Bothrideridae and 23 genera of Colydiidae of America north of Mexico, are reviewed, reflecting recent changes. Keys to families, tribes, genera, and species are provided, as well as distributions, and biological information. …read more
The Scarab Beetles Of Florida
From Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.
This is the Part II of The Scarab Beetles of Florida, initiated in 1973 by Dr. Robert E. Woodruff with Volume 8 of Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas,( Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Part I. …read more
Pleasing Fungus Beetles
From Entomology Circulars.
The bright color patterns of pleasing fungus beetles never fail to attract attention, but because of their cryptic habits they are rarely seen except by the dedicated mushroom hunter and entomologists. …read more
Xylosandrus Crassjusculus (Motschulsky), An Asian Ambrosia Beetle Recently Introduced Into Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is a minute ambrosia beetle of Asian origin that was first detected in the continental U.S. near Charleston, South Carolina (Anderson 1974). It apparently has spread along the lower Piedmont region and coastal plain to North Carolina, Louisiana, Florida (Chapin and Oliver 1986, Deyrup and Atkinson 1987), and East Texas (Atkinson, unpublished) (Fig. …read more
White-fringed Beetles, Graphognathus spp.
From Entomology Circulars.
Graphognathus leucoloma leucoloma IBoheman), the white-fringed beetle, was first collected in North America near Svea, Florida in 1936 (Buchanan 1939). This species and three others (Q. minor (Buchanan), G. peregrinus (Buchanan), G. fecundus Buchanan) comprise the white-fringed beetle complex in North America (Buchanan 1947, Warner 1975). …read more
Flea Beetles Of The Genus Systena In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Flea beetles belong to the subfamily Alticinae of the family Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), one of the 7 largest families of Coleoptera. All Chrysomelidae are phytophagous, both as larvae and adults. Some feed on roots, others on stems or leaves of herbaceous plants, and some mine the leaves of woody plants. The …read more
First Records In The United States And South America Of The African Oil Palm Weevils, Elaeidobius Subvittatus (Faust) And E. Kamerunicus (Faust)
From Entomology Circulars.
A series of weevils was collected in Miami, Florida, 5-XI-85, on male flowers of African oil palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacquin) by G. Gwin. Identified by the senior author as Elaeidobius subvittatus (Faust), it constitutes the first U.S. …read more
Calleida Decora (Fabricius)
From Entomology Circulars.
Calleida decora (Fabricius) is a small arboreal ground beetle, predaceous both as larva and adult. Common on various cultivated crops, it is apparently the only carabid to complete its larval development on Florida soybean foliage (Neal 1974). …read more
Metamasius hemipterus (Linnaeus) recently established in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Metamasius hemipterus (Linnaeus), a pest of sugarcane, bananas, and other tropical plants, was collected by R. M. Baranowski on 22 October 1984 at Homestead, Florida, in cassava roots. This constitutes the first established infestation of this species in the continental U.S. …read more
The Potato Beetles Of Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
True “potato beetles” are members of the beetle genus Leptinotarsa, with 32 species in North America, including Mexico; 10 species in the continental United States, including 2 species in Florida. The most notable is the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), found in Florida and most of the United States, and introduced into Europe and parts of Asia. …read more
The Blister Beetles Of Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The family Meloidae – blister beetles – contains about 2500 species, divided among 80 genera and 3 subfamilies. Florida has 26 species, only a small fraction of the total number in the U.S. …read more
The Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma Granarium Everts
From Entomology Circulars.
The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts, is one of the world’s most feared stored-product pests. Its discovery in California in 1953 led to a massive control and eradication effort which extended until 1966 and cost the government $15 million (Kerr, 1981). …read more
The False Blister Beetles Of Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
“False blister beetles,” sometimes known also as “pollen feeding beetles,” are unique in that adults of all the approximately 1,000 species in the world are obligate pollen feeders. They obtain their common name because many species cause blisters when pinched or squashed against the skin. …read more
A Revision of the New World Species of Placonotus Macleay
From Occasional Papers.
The New World species belonging to Placonotus Macleay are revised and keys, illustrations, and descriptions are provided. Thirteen species are recorded from the New World, including 6 new species and 2 Old World species. …read more
First Records Of A Stored Products Pest, Oryzaephilus Acuminatus Halstead, From The Western Hemisphere
From Entomology Circulars.
A commercial nursery in Fort Myers, Florida imported seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juas) from India to be used for their purported insecticidal properties. Beetles were discovered in the storage area on 11 January, 1983 and were sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture for identification. …read more
The Black Twig Borer, Xylosandrus Compactus (Eickhoff)
From Entomology Circulars.
The black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), is one of the few ambrosia beetles that infests healthy plants. In Florida, orchids (Dendrobium spp. and Cattleya spp.), and avocado (Persea americana Mill.) have sustained notable economic losses (Dekle and Kuitert 1968; McClanahan 1951) Although ornamental shrubs and shade trees (Figs. …read more
Artipus floridanus Horn, another weevil pest of citrus
From Entomology Circulars.
Six species of weevils routinely found on Florida citrus were discussed and keyed in Entomology Circular 202 (Woodruff, 1979). Subsequent circulars have treated 5 species in detail, leaving only Artipus floridanus Horn. …read more
Predaceous Water Beetles Of The Genus Desmopachria: The Convexa – Grana Group
From Occasional Papers.
Four described and 7 new species of the Desmopachria convexa-grana group are characterized and discussed. All are remarkably similar on superficial examination, but the male external genitalia are distinct. All are distinguishable from other members of Desmopachria (s. …read more
Citrus root weevils of the genus Pachnaeus in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
In previous circulars (#5, 30, 77, 112, 117, 202, 207, 225), I have treated most of the weevils found on Florida citrus. Probably the most important native pests among these are 2 species of Pachnaeus, commonly known as citrus root weevils. …read more
Tanymecus Lacaena (Herbst), An Occasional Weevil Pest Of Citrus If Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
A key was provided to the Florida citrus weevils in Entomology Circular 202, in which Tanymecus lacaena was distinguished (Woodruff, 1979). This publication is intended to provide additional detail that was not possible because of previous space limitations. …read more
A Revision Of The New World Species Of The Genus Neobisnius Ganglbauer
From Occasional Papers.
Thirty-nine species of the genus Neobisnius are recognized from the New World. Included in this total are 5 new species (type localities in parentheses): nothocreatus (U.S.A., California, Calaveras Co., Mokelumne Hill), omnirufus (Argentina, Mendoza), vigii (Colombia, Magdalena, Parque Tayrona, 21 mi. …read more
The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) in Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Anthonomus eugenii Cano was described as new and noted as a pest of peppers in Mexico in 1894. Since then it has become considerably more widespread and is often a major pest in areas where peppers are grown. …read more
The Smallest Beetles
From Entomology Circulars.
Featherwing beetles (fig. 1) are the smallest known beetles, the majority of the species being a millimeter or less in length. The common name is derived from the distinctive structure of the wings (fig. …read more
Fuller’s Rose Weevil Pantomorus Cervinus (Boheman), In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Fuller’s rose weevil is a widely distributed economic pest of a broad range of host plants. Several changes of generic assignment and species name changes have contributed to much nomenclatural confusion. Previous Entomology Circulars provided keys to distinguish this weevil from other citrus weevil adults (Woodruff, 1962, 1979) and larvae (Beavers and Woodruff, 1971). …read more
Florida Citrus Weevils
From Entomology Circulars.
A previous circular (Woodruff, 1962), now out-of-print, treated some of the weevils on Florida citrus. The introduction of the West Indian Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linnaeus) (Woodruff, 1964, 1968), nomenclatural changes,and the addition of another native species now bring the total to 6 species which are distinguished here. …read more
A False Powder-Post Beetle New To The United States
From Entomology Circulars.
Xylopsocus capucinus (Fabricius) has previously been intercepted at ports of entry into the U. S. on many occasions in a wide variety of plant materials. However, Fisher (1950) stated that it “has not become established in the United States.” …read more
A Weevil Pest Of Rose-apple (Syzygium Jambos), Apparently New To The United States
From Entomology Circulars.
Normally a circular such as this would not be written without knowing the scientific name of the pest involved. Because this species was only recently found in Florida, it is presumed to be introduced, and therefore additional information is needed. …read more
Establishment Of The Genus Azya In The United States
From Entomology Circulars.
The beneficial lady beetle genus Azya is native to Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Although one species was introduced into Florida in 1936 and 1938, it apparently did not become established. …read more
Another Click Beetle Of The Genus Alaus In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
In Entomology Circular 109, I treated the genus Alaus in Florida and recorded 2 species: A. myops (Fabricius) and A. oculatus (Linnaeus). Recent collections and an old literature record indicate that a third species, A. …read more
The Tortoise Beetles Of Florida IV, Metriona bicolor (Fab.)
From Entomology Circulars.
In Entomology Circulars 35, 155, and 163, I treated 3 other Florida tortoise beetles (Woodruff, 1965, 1975, 1976). The present species, Metriona bicolor (Fab.), is probably the most commonly encountered species in the state and is often of some economic importance on sweet potato. …read more
The Tortoise Beetles Of Florida III, Eurypepla Calochroma Floridensis Blake
From Entomology Circulars.
In Entomology Circulars 35 and 155 I treated 2 easily recognized Florida tortoise beetles (Woodruff, 1965, 1975). The present species, Eurypepla calochroma floridensis Blake, is another distinctive one, the largest in the state, and confined to the southern tip of the peninsula and the Keys. …read more
The Tortoise Beetles Of Florida II, Plagiometriona Clavata (Fabricius)
From Entomology Circulars.
In a previous Entomology Circular, I treated one of the common Florida tortoise beetles, Hemisphaerota cyanea (Say), on palms (Woodruff, 1965). It is my intention to treat all of the Florida species in this series. …read more
A South American Leaf Beetle Pest Of Crucifers In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Microtheca ochroloma Stal was first recorded in the United States from Mobile, Alabama, 20 march 1947, where it was a pest of turnip, cabbage, collard, mustard, and radish (Chamberlin and Tippin, 1949). Gentry (1954) reported it also from Marengo County, Alabama, on irish potato. …read more
The Scarab Beetles Of Florida
From Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.
Beetles of the family Scarabaeidae are both destructive and beneficial. Many, like the Japanese beetle and Asiatic garden beeile, along with the larvae or “white grubs”, cause millions of dollars damage annually. Others are economically important because they are intermediate hosts for parasites of domestic animals. …read more
Scyphophorus Acupunctatus, A Weevil Pest Of Yucca And Agave In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyll. was first reported from Florida by Sleeper (1957:41), on the basis of a single specimen collected on the flowers of sisal (Agave sisalina Perrine) at Cape Sable, 28 may 1953. …read more
An Orchid Weevil New To The United States
From Entomology Circulars.
Although its exact identity is still pending, a species of Metamasius on orchids is reported for the first time in Florida. The small greenhouse infestation, found on orchids presumably imported from Ecuador four months earlier, is believed to be eradicated. …read more
Nicentrus Saccharinus Marshall, A Potential Sugarcane Pest Recently Introduced Into Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Marshall (1951) described Nicentrus saccharinus from specimens collected at Aguadulce, Panama in sugarcane. The only subsequent literature record I have found is the listing of it (Frank & Bennett, 1970) on sugarcane in Jamaica. On …read more
The Coffee Bean Weevil, Araecerus Fasciculatus (DeGeer), A New Potential Pest Of Citris In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The coffee bean weevil was originally described in 1775 from India, and it has long been known as a widely distributed, minor pest of stored products (cotton, 1963:64). During the fall of 1971 a heavy infestation was found in a citrus grove in Lake County, Florida. …read more
A Field Key For Separating Larvae Of Four Species Of Citrus Weevils In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
The “sugar- cane root-stalk borer weevil” (Diaprepes abbreviatus ( L. ) ) was first found in the U.S. At Apopka, Florida, in 1964, although no significant population was discovered until 1968 (Woodruff, 1964, 1968). …read more
The Click Beetle Genus Alaus In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
Because of their striking appearance and their large size, beetles of the genus Alaus are commonly brought to the attention of nursery inspectors. Two species, A. myops (Fabr.) and A. oculatus (Linn.), Are found in Florida. …read more
The “Rice Beetle,” Dyscinetus Morator (Fab.)
From Entomology Circulars.
Dyscinetus morator is a common beetle in the eastern half of the U.S. and is one of the most ubiquitous species taken in blacklight traps during much of the year. It appears to be only a minor pest, but it is often brought to the homeowner’s attention because of the large quantities found at lights. …read more
A Mangrove Borer, Poecilips Rhizophorae (Hopkins)
From Entomology Circulars.
Recent collections of Poecilips rhizophorae (Hopk.) Have provided samples of its damage on red mangrove and have pointed out the lack of distribution records. This circular is an attempt to bring together the known information on this species in hopes that it will stimulate others to provide seasonal and geographical distribution records. …read more
The Mango Seed Weevil, Sternochetus Mangiferae (Fab.)
From Entomology Circulars.
The mango seed weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae (Fab.), has not been found in Florida, but its presence in the major mango producing areas of the world indicates that it is a potential pest here. …read more
The Banana Root Borer (Cosmopolites Sordidus (Germar)) In Florida
From Entomology Circulars.
At various times in the past, bananas have been grown on a commercial scale in Florida, although the plant is presently used primarily as an ornamental (Stambaugh, 1951). One of the most serious insect pests of bananas, the banana root borer, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germ.), …read more
