Melanophila consputa

Melanophila consputa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Buprestidae
Genus: Melanophila
Species:
M. consputa
Binomial name
Melanophila consputa
LeConte, 1857

Melanophila consputa, the charcoal beetle, is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and Oceania.[1][2][3] Like other members of their genus, charcoal beetles are drawn to forest fires, which they find using sensors near their legs that detect infrared radiation. Female charcoal beetles then lay their eggs in the charred remains of coniferous trees.[4] They have been known to swarm large groups of smokers and bite humans.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference itis was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference gbif was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Marshall, Michael (24 May 2012). "Zoologger: Infrared-sensing beetles born in fire". New Scientist. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
  4. ^ Moskal, Emily. "Bay Nature Magazine: Fire-Chasing Charcoal Beetles Show Up After Wildfires". Bay Nature. Retrieved 2022-09-05.