Silvanus difficilis facts for kids

Silvanus difficilis is a small insect known as a silvan flat bark beetle. These beetles are found in many parts of the world, especially in Asia. They have also traveled to places like Australia and Costa Rica, often by hitching a ride on timber.

Where This Beetle Lives

This beetle is found in many countries in Asia, which is also called the Oriental region. These places include Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. You can also find them on islands like Sumatra, Java, Christmas Island, Borneo, and the Philippines. They live in New Guinea and the Moluccas too.

Beyond Asia, Silvanus difficilis has been seen in other areas. It lives in the Solomon Islands and Samoan Islands in Oceania. It was also brought to Australia. There are even reports of this beetle in West Africa, Britain, New Ireland, and Costa Rica.

What It Looks Like

Silvanus difficilis can look quite different from one beetle to another. It is very similar to other beetles like Silvanus lewisi and Silvanus robustus. Scientists have found two main types, called 'Normal form' and 'New Guinea form'. The 'Normal form' has a shorter "temple" (part of its head) and a wider, shorter "prothorax" (the part behind its head). This helps tell it apart from the 'New Guinea form'.

These beetles are usually about 2.17 to 2.64 millimeters long. That's less than a quarter of a centimeter! Their bodies are long and a bit flat. They can be dull brown or yellow-brown in color. Short, golden hairs cover their bodies, making them look a bit fuzzy.

Their head is wider than it is long. They have large eyes. The antennae are wide and look like they have a club at the end. The pronotum, which is the top part of the thorax, is wide and long. It has rough, dense bumps, similar to the head. The front part of the chest is bumpy and rough on the sides. The scutellum, a small plate on its back, is large and covered with hairs.

Where It Is Found

Adult Silvanus difficilis beetles have been found living on Shorea robusta trees in India. These trees are also known as Sal trees. The beetles have also been found among goods imported into Britain from Asian countries. This shows how they can travel to new places.

See also

In Spanish: Silvanus difficilis para niños