Anaspis maculata
This record describes Anaspis maculata (species). Recorded family: Scraptiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
2.4-3.1mm. This is a small, elongate beetle which is usually yellowish-brown with variable black markings. However there are several colour forms including an all-yellow variant. The standard and most common form has a dark triangular mark around the scutellum, a pair of dark spots near the midpoint on the elytra and a final black spot across the suture near the apices. The legs and base of the antennae are yellow. Males and females can have different features and should be keyed separately. British Scraptidae by Brian Levey (RES Handbook) is the best key. Adults occur in very large numbers on open structured flowers such as Hawthorn or Elder blossom, Hogweed and Daisy flowers When disturbed they drop from the trees en masse and then skip around on the ground to confuse predators. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland. Tumbling Flower Beetles have hind legs that are flattened and have an enlarged femur which they use to kick when they are on a hard surface.
Wikipedia reference for Anaspis maculata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaspis_maculata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scraptiidae
- Genus
- Anaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults occur in very large numbers on open structured flowers such as Hawthorn or Elder blossom, Hogweed and Daisy flowers
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and early summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
When disturbed they drop from the trees en masse and then skip around on the ground to confuse predators.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anaspis maculata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anaspis maculata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaspis maculata
What is Anaspis maculata?
Anaspis maculata is a species in the family Scraptiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anaspis maculata?
of the first tarsal segment
Where is Anaspis maculata found?
Habitat: Adults occur in very large numbers on open structured flowers such as Hawthorn or Elder blossom, Hogweed and Daisy flowers
When is Anaspis maculata active?
Anaspis maculata: seasonal activity - Late spring and early summer..
What is the life cycle of a Anaspis maculata?
When disturbed they drop from the trees en masse and then skip around on the ground to confuse predators.