Distribution and relative abundance of economically important Anobiidae (Coleoptera) in Wisconsin forests and structures

Anobiidae, a widely distributed beetle family, includes a number of economically significant species associated with stored products such as grains, tobacco, and woody materials. Although information regarding the economic importance of certain anobiid species in the United States is known, their distribution outside of an urban environment is not well understood. This study is the first state-wide survey of Wisconsin Anobiidae. Specimens were collected using a variety of methods in the field, including Lindgren funnel traps and flight intercept traps. Trap samples from previous surveys of other taxa as well as mounted specimens contained in the University of Wisconsin Insect Research Collection were also utilized. Seventy-eight pest control companies across the state were contacted along with the University insect diagnostic laboratory for information regarding indoor pest species of Anobiidae. To date, 27 genera and 57 species have been found in Wisconsin. Hemicoelus carinatus (Say) is the most frequently encountered wood-boring species within structures, especially older barns; it was also commonly collected throughout Wisconsin forests. This species accounted for 11% of all Anobiidae collected. Gibbium aequinoctiale Boieldieu, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), and Stegobium paniceum (Linnaeus) were encountered only within structures. Mezium affine Boieldieu and Ptinus villiger Reitter are primarily indoor species, while Ptinus fur (Linnaeus) was found both in urban and forested environments. Two sporadically common cosmopolitan species, Anobium punctatum (De Geer) and Xestobium rufovillosum (De Geer) were not encountered in Wisconsin.