Sap beetles

Some members of the Glischrochilus genus, including G. quadrisignatus and G. fasciatus, have earned the name picnic beetles, because they congregate in large numbers during picnics and outdoor gatherings. They don’t sting or bite, but they can be bothersome.

Some of the better-known species in Canada include Carpophilus brachypterus, which attacks grains; C. hemipterus (dried fruit beetle), which is attracted to fruit, dried fruit and grains; and C. dimidiatus (corn sap beetle), which attacks not only corn, but also a wide variety of stored foods.

Glischrochilus fasciatus (red-spotted sap beetle) lives in fields and feeds on damaged fruit and vegetables. G. quadrisignatus (four-spotted sap beetle) also feeds on fruit and vegetables, and is one of the main pests of raspberry and sweet corn plants.

Stelidota geminata is attracted to ripe and over-ripe strawberries and other berries.

Nitidula bipunctata feeds primarily on carrion. It can sometimes be found indoors, in foods such as ham, sausages, bacon, bread and cakes. Osmosita colon and O. discoidea also feed on carrion and may find their way into homes.