πŸͺ² Beetles

Flat Bark Hister Beetle

Hololepta plana

About Flat Bark Hister Beetle

An extremely flattened, disc-like black beetle found under bark of dead trees. Its body is compressed to fit in the narrow space between bark and wood.

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Did You Know?

Its body is so flat it can squeeze into gaps less than 2 mm wide to pursue prey under tight-fitting bark.

How to Identify Flat Bark Hister Beetle

Flat Bark Hister Beetle (Hololepta plana) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Histeridae. Adults typically measure 7-10 mm.

Flat Bark Hister Beetle Habitat

Flat Bark Hister Beetle is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Flat Bark Hister Beetle Diet and Feeding

Flat Bark Hister Beetle feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

Where Is Flat Bark Hister Beetle Found?

Flat Bark Hister Beetle can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Flat Bark Hister Beetle can be found

Is Flat Bark Hister Beetle Dangerous?

Flat Bark Hister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Flat Bark Hister Beetle Role in Nature

Flat Bark Hister Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Bark Hister Beetle

What does Flat Bark Hister Beetle look like?

The Flat Bark Hister Beetle typically measures 7-10 mm.

Where is Flat Bark Hister Beetle found?

The Flat Bark Hister Beetle is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Flat Bark Hister Beetle eat?

The Flat Bark Hister Beetle feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.

Is Flat Bark Hister Beetle dangerous to humans?

The Flat Bark Hister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Flat Bark Hister Beetle?

Its body is so flat it can squeeze into gaps less than 2 mm wide to pursue prey under tight-fitting bark.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Flat Bark Hister Beetle (Hololepta plana). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-bark-hister-beetle

MLA:
"Flat Bark Hister Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-bark-hister-beetle.