Hello,
one kiwi producer of South France bring me a lot of little coleopteran, they were less than 1mm long. The producer found them on the young kiwi fruits, and observed little galleries in the surface.
For know I suggest it is Latridiidae, Corticariinae, but is someone capable of giving a best identification ? Have you heard about such problems on kiwis or other fruits ?
Thanks in advance,
Juliette
I think that a sure identification is not possible on the basis of your photos, but the hypothesis that the insect is a latridiid (and a Corticariinae) seems to be suitable also to me. Various latridiid (minute brown scavenger beetles) species, often mycophagous, can be found associated with foodstuffs, stored products, and fruits. Several species can be also spread accidentally by man through trading.The subfamily Corticariinae (by some Authors considered as a separate family: Corticariidae) comprises genera such as Corticaria, Cortinicara, Corticarina, and others. In my opinion, it is necessary to find and use valid keys for generic and specific (not only photographic) identification of these beetles. I remember for instance the volumes by Freude and colleagues on Central-European Coleoptera (Die Kaefer Mitteleuropas), and - if I'm not mistaken - also more recent works, published in Central Europe, with colour pictures. It is necessary also to understand if this species is an autochthonous species or a species recently introduced. In internet, by using key words as Latridiidae, Corticaria, damage, kiwi, fruits, I also found that Corticaria can damage (in the field?) these fruits (and can be found associated with other fruits). You can see e. g. the existence of works, on this subject, published by Asian authors.
Best regards,
Rinaldo Nicoli
It is difficult to identify by merely images. I knew one, Dr. Kailash Chandra, Scientist-F works for Zoological Survey of India, did his Ph.D in Coleoptera group and specialist in systematics of Insects with special reference to Coleopterans. I am sure you will get help from him.
Thank you for your responses, I hope this insect is not an invasive one. I 'll let you know about the conclusions of the identification.
Best regards,
Juliette Poidatz
According to Dr. Joseph V. McHugh a specialist in the superfamily Cucujoidea: Coleoptera at the University of Georgia (USA), Dept. of Entomology, the beetle you illustrated is definitely of the family Latridiidae, and the subfamily Corticariinae. He would have to have the specimen to determine genus with certainty because this is difficult group.
I hope this helps,
Walter B. Sikora
This is a member of the Corticariinae Latridiidae, there are also invasive / synantropic species known in this group.
thank you all, I send Mr Rücker my sample two weeks ago, and he easily identified it. Hopefully it is a very common specie, which only eats fungus.
Best regards,
Juliette
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