COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > CLEROIDEA > Byturidae

Byturidae is a very small family represented in Britain by just two superficially similar species. The family as a whole are collectively known as fruitworm beetles as the larvae of some species feed on ripening fruits.

The two British species are Byturus tomentosus and Byturus ochraceous.

Although very similar in appearance, 3-5mm long; elongate oval form; light to mid-brown; pubescent; 11 segmented, vaguely clubbed antennae; prominent eyes, they can be distinguished.

Byturus tomentosus, commonly known as the Raspberry Beetle, is the smaller of the two species at no more than 4mm long. It is also a shade paler, often tan-coloured. Eyes are smaller than in B.ochraceous, the largest diameter being less than half the distance between. The elytra taper outwards slightly towards the base, more parallel in ochraceous, and has more visible margins than ochraceous whose margins are partially obscured by the humeral bulge.

The species is a known pest of cane fruits, primarily raspberry, but also blackberry and loganberry. Adult females are attracted by the scent and colour of host flowers where they feed and lay their eggs. The resulting larvae will eat the fresh buds or burrow into the developing fruits where they usually remain undetected until the crop is harvested. Affected berries can become hard and shrivelled. Although the larvae are undoubtedly pests for farmers who grow these fruits, the adult beetles rarely do serious damage as they generally feed on the blossom and leaves. Adults can appear as early as April, but certainly from May to July can be found on flowers, especially bramble.

Created, Jan.22 (v.1)