There is an order of insects that are known as the “true bugs” also represented here. Beetles and bugs may share similar physical characteristics, below is a check list of the key differences of these two types of insects –
The order Coleoptera (Beetles) is the largest animal order on earth with almost 390,000 species worldwide and more than 28,000 (an estimated number of 30,00 +/-) species in the U.S., this also represents about 40 percent of all insect species. These numbers are actually increasing as taxonomists identify and catalog new species.
Beetles are found in all types of habitats from bone-dry deserts to species that are purely aquatic throughout their life cycle. They range in sizes from the tiny fairy beetles that are so small as to be barely visible without a magnifier, up to the aptly named Titan beetle that measures in at 6.5 inches long.
Many terrestrial beetles have larvae called grubs, living underground these are white/grayish in color, usually soft bodied with a hardened head “casing” and 3 pairs of legs, they feed on the roots of plants and are considered a major pest to commercial agriculture and the home gardener. Aquatic beetles also have aquatic larvae that feed on a variety of plant and organic material, some of them are predators of tadpoles, small fish and worms. While having evolved with a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and diets, beetles still share common physical characteristics.
Florida is home to over 500 species of beetles These insects belong to the order Coleoptera and have hardened forewings that cover and protect the hind wings. Beetles are found in many different habitats throughout Florida, including forests, gardens, and even indoors Here is an overview of some of the most common beetles you may encounter if you live in or visit the Sunshine State.
Asian Lady Beetle
The Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is an introduced species that has become well-established across the United States including Florida. This beetle has variable coloration ranging from red-orange with black spots to solid orange. It is often mistaken for the seven-spotted lady beetle, which is a native species. The Asian lady beetle is a common sight on plants, where it feeds on aphids and other small insects.
Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
The cottonwood leaf beetle (Chrysomela scripta) is a major pest of poplar trees, especially in urban areas This small beetle has a black head and thorax with a red or yellow-edged thorax Its wing covers are yellow with broken black stripes. Both adults and larvae feed voraciously on poplar leaves, sometimes defoliating trees entirely. This makes the cottonwood leaf beetle a nuisance pest across much of Florida.
Blue-Green Citrus Root Weevil
Citrus growers must contend with the blue-green citrus root weevil (Pachnaeus litus), which attacks the roots of citrus trees. The adult weevils have black wing covers dotted with small scales in white, yellow, red-orange, and blue-green. Females lay eggs on young citrus leaves, and the larvae burrow into the soil to feed on roots. This damages developing citrus trees and reduces yields in commercial groves.
Palmetto Weevil
As its name suggests, the palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus) is a major pest of Florida’s native palm trees. This large beetle has an elongated snout and strong jaws for chewing into palm trunks. The larvae bore deep into the tree’s interior, weakening and eventually killing it. Adults grow up to 3 cm long and vary in color from solid black to red-black. The palmetto weevil is native to Florida but mostly attacks stressed or transplanted palms.
Hardwood Stump Borer
The aptly named hardwood stump borer (Mallodon dasystomus) lives in and feeds on decaying hardwood. These large beetles have formidable mandibles for chewing through wood. Males have antler-like pincers while females are rounded. They are very dark brown or black with fine teeth along the thorax. Larvae bore into stumps and logs, creating tunnels and holes. Adults may also be found under bark.
Citrus Root Weevils
Several species of root weevils attack citrus trees in Florida, including the blue-green citrus root weevil mentioned earlier. Other common ones include the Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus), which has white-spotted black wing covers, and the little leaf notcher (Artipus floridanus), which is blue-white to pale purple. Their larvae feed on citrus roots while adults notch the edges of leaves. These beetles weaken and stunt young citrus trees.
Ground Beetles
Ground beetles in the family Carabidae are very common in Florida. Most are black or metallic and hunt for prey on the ground. Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) are related ground beetles that also frequent sandy areas. They have long legs and sharp jaws for capturing insects and larvae. Common Florida species include the purple tiger beetle (Cicindela purpurea) and the festive tiger beetle (Cicindela scutellaris).
Scarab Beetles
Several types of scarab beetles are regular Florida sights. These include rainbow scarabs (Phanaeus vindex), which are iridescent green and inhabit the Everglades, and flower scarabs like the spotted Pelidnota (Pelidnota punctata), which have yellow and black spots. Other scarabs are pests, such as the green June beetle (Cotinis nitida), whose grubs damage lawns and gardens.
Blister Beetles
Blister beetles in the family Meloidae secrete an irritating chemical called cantharidin that causes blistering on human skin. The striped blister beetle (Epicauta vittata) has yellow stripes on its black wing covers. Another common one is the black blister beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica), an all-black species. Blister beetles often cluster on flowers, so caution should be used in handling them.
Carrion Beetles
Carrion or burying beetles are important decomposers in the ecosystem. They bury small dead animals and feed on their carcasses. The American carrion beetle (Necrophila americana) is shiny black with an orange-marked pronotum. Another carrion beetle found in Florida is the hister beetle (Histeridae family), identified by its shortened wing covers that leave the final two abdominal segments exposed.
Darkling Beetles
Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae family) prefer hot, dry environments. The Florida darkling beetle (Blapstinus punctulatus) is common in sandy areas and has a speckled gray appearance. The mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) is glossy blue-black and the adult form of the mealworm larva, which is commonly used as feeder insects for pets. Other darkling beetles feed on fungi, decomposing vegetation, and roots.
Longhorn Beetles
Longhorn beetles have very long antennae. Prominent species in Florida include the palmetto borer (Elaphidion mimeticum) with its striking black and yellow pattern, and the zebra longhorn (Typocerus zebra) identified by its yellow bands on a black background. Their larvae bore into hardwood trees, often being considered pests. However, they mainly attack diseased or dying trees.
Weevils
There are many types of snout beetles or weevils in Florida, with the curved proboscis that characterizes this group. An important invasive is the Sri Lankan weevil (Myllocerus undecimpustulatus), which attacks citrus and other crops. The palmetto weevils mentioned earlier are also a type of snout beetle. Most weevils have larvae that feed on plants, stems, seeds, or wood.
Dung Beetles
Most dung beetles belong to the Scarabaeidae family. They roll balls of animal feces to lay their eggs inside. Their larvae then develop within the dung ball. Some colorful dung beetles in Florida include the metallic green-headed Onthophagus hecate and the spotted Euoniticellus intermedius. These beetles provide important waste removal services in pastures.
As this overview shows, Florida is home to a wide diversity of beetle species occupying many different niches in the environment. Some are considered pests, while many others provide beneficial services like pollination and waste decomposition. Beetles can be found year-round across Florida, so observing them can be an enjoyable nature activity for residents and visitors alike. With their variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, beetles are a fascinating component of Florida’s insect world.
True Bugs – Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
The Cotton stainer gets its name from the yellow stain it causes on cotton bolls when feeding on them, the affected bolls growth is also affected possibly even causing it to drop from the plant. This insect has on occasion been a pest on orange crops, a puncture causing immature fruit to drop from the trees and quickly rot.
Host plants are many and they include Okra, Portia tree, Spanish needles, Ceaserweed and rose buds and flowers.
Giant beetle discovery is a Florida first
FAQ
What is the most common beetle in Florida?
- American Carrion Beetle. …
- Asian Multi-Colored Lady Beetle. …
- Antelope Beetle. …
- Ant-Like Longhorn Beetle. …
- American Oil Beetle. …
- Giant Waterbug. …
- Southern Pine Beetle. …
- Tiger Beetle.
Why have I suddenly got carpet beetles?
How did I get carpet beetles? Due to their diet of fabric and animal products, carpet beetle larvae can thrive in homes if left alone. Adults fly inside through open doors and windows to lay eggs on furniture, clothing, or rugs and often are introduced when infested items are brought inside a home.
What are the little brown beetles in Florida?
Drugstore beetles are a common household pest in south Florida that can infest your pantry. Be careful with these tiny beetles—they can do much damage to stored goods. Drugstore beetles are just 2 to 3 millimeters long and have an oval, reddish-brown body and flattened back.
What are the beetles in Florida that look like roaches?
Many bugs in Florida look like cockroaches, but understanding their physical traits, behaviors, and habitats can help you tell them apart. Water bugs, June bugs, wood-boring beetles, ground beetles, crickets, long-horned beetles, and leaf-footed bugs are common cockroach look-alikes.
How many species of beetles are in Florida?
Florida is home to upwards of 168 species of beetles. These beetles are widespread across the state, and all serve their ecosystem in different ways. This article will go through seven of the most commonly seen beetle species in the state.
Are drugstore beetles common in Florida?
Due to Florida’s hot and humid weather, drugstore beetles are more common in Florida than in states with temperate and colder climates. Drugstore beetles are small, reddish brown insects that grow up to 1/7th of an inch, have an oblong shape, three-segmented antennae, wings, and hairy bristles on the wing pads.
Are there ox beetles in Florida?
Florida is home to several beetle species belonging to different families like the dung beetles, blister beetles, and scarab beetles. The ox beetle of the rhinoceros beetle subfamily is the state’s largest identified by the three big horns on their thorax.
Is there a problem of carpet beetles in Florida?
Carpet beetles are a common problem in Florida and other southern states like Texas and Louisiana*. They are tiny brown beetles with white spots that can turn dark brown or black as they get older.Carpet beetles are the most common beetles in the South that enter homes.
What is the smallest beetle in Florida?
On the other hand, the white-colored little leaf notcher beetle infesting citrus fruits, and the rice beetle is concol3red the smallest. Another small species, the drugstore beetle with a brown body, mostly dwells in Florida’s northern and central parts.
Where are palmetto beetles found?
This beetle has been found from the coastal areas of South Carolina to the Florida Keys. They can be found throughout the state. The Palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus) can vary in color from red with a black pattern to solid black. They are around three centimeters from the tip of the nostrum to the last abdominal segment.