Attalus glabrellus
This record describes Attalus glabrellus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fall's key: Elytra entirely black -> Head, at least, and generally the thorax largely black -> Upper surface nearly glabrous = glabrellus Form rather stout, distinctly shining throughout, nearly glabrous and subimpunctate. Black, thorax typically with a rufous spot at the hind angles, varying to entirely black, or with the sides broadly rufous. Marshall's follow up: In a series of 60 specimens from s. CA-AZ and w.TX, the thorax is entirely rufous in the majority of specimens. In some, there is a central black spot, usually placed near the anterior margin; others are colored as were Fall’s specimens [see Fall's type ], but only three specimens out of the lot have the thorax entirely black. The legs are correspondingly paler than described by Fall. Type Locality: Pomona Mtns, Los Angeles Co., CA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Melyridae (Soft-winged Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Malachiinae
- Tribe
- Malachiini
- Genus
- Attalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
60 specimens from s.CA-AZ (Santa Rita and Chiricahua mountains), and w.Texas (Davis and Chisos mountains) ; an abundant species in s.CA.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus glabrellus Fall 1917
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus glabrellus. 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 Attalus glabrellus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus glabrellus
What is Attalus glabrellus?
Attalus glabrellus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Attalus glabrellus?
Length 1.75 to 2.25 mm
How do you identify Attalus glabrellus?
Fall's key: Elytra entirely black -> Head, at least, and generally the thorax largely black -> Upper surface nearly glabrous = glabrellus Form rather stout, distinctly shining throughout, nearly glabrous and subimpunctate. Black, thorax typically with a rufous spot at the hind angles, varying to entirely black, or with the sides broadly rufous. Marshall's follow up: In a series of 60 specimens from s. CA-AZ and w.TX, the thorax is entirely rufous in the majority of specimens. In some, there is a central black spot, usually placed near the anterior margin; others are colored as were Fall’s specimens [see Fall's type ], but only three specimens out of the lot have the thorax entirely black. The legs are correspondingly paler than described by Fall.
Where is Attalus glabrellus found?
Range: 60 specimens from s.CA-AZ (Santa Rita and Chiricahua mountains), and w.Texas (Davis and Chisos mountains) ; an abundant species in s.CA.