Melinopterus prodromus
This record describes Melinopterus prodromus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This rather cylindrical looking Dung Beetle has yellow-brown ribbed elytra with a black thorax. Length 5 to 7 mm. It is possibly the commonest of the dung beetles but is very similar to Melinopterus sphacelatus . Melinopterus sphacelatus looks almost identical but this species has a suture line running across the pronotum. Also the 8th elytral stria stops abruptly, nor reaching towards the pronotum as far as the other striae. A good quality image is needed to show the presence or absence of the suture line. Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung. Peaks are from February to June and September to November. They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Melinopterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung.
Seasonal Activity
Peaks are from February to June and September to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melinopterus prodromus. 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 Melinopterus prodromus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melinopterus prodromus
What is Melinopterus prodromus?
Melinopterus prodromus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melinopterus prodromus?
5 to 7 mm. It is possibly the commonest of the dung beetles but is very similar to
Where is Melinopterus prodromus found?
Habitat: Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung.
When is Melinopterus prodromus active?
Melinopterus prodromus: seasonal activity - Peaks are from February to June and September to November..
What is the life cycle of a Melinopterus prodromus?
They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung.