I have not seen this black beetle until this year.
Now they seem to everywhere and in everything.
First noticed in produce from the store.
Now doing major damage in the corn.
Seems to be some sort of sap beetle.
Any ideas?
black beetle
This indeed appears to be a sap beetle (family Nitidulidae). However, these would not be responsible for the damage shown in your second image; that was done by something much larger such as a bird or mammal. These beetles often are secondary invaders on already damaged produce, but some will directly damage soft fruits such as strawberries.
I noticed them earlier in the silks and then when picking today I saw the damage.
The ears were filled with their worms.
I think the bird damage was probably due to robins going after the worms.
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Insect and Spider Identification Threads
-
black beetle
started by mle_flowers
last post by mle_flowersJun 17, 20252Jun 17, 2025 -
black beetle
started by mle_flowers
last post by mle_flowersJun 25, 20253Jun 25, 2025 -
black beetle
started by Nosefreckle
last post by NosefreckleJun 27, 20252Jun 27, 2025 -
black beetle
started by Jrockca
last post by JrockcaJul 01, 20252Jul 01, 2025 -
black beetle
started by PitterCol
last post by PitterColJul 03, 20252Jul 03, 2025