Attalus humeralis
This record describes Attalus humeralis (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Yellow-red, shiny, less densely pubescent, head and thorax slightly shorter than the width, convex, slightly margined, apex truncate, base with rounded posterior corners; elytra sparsely punctate posteriorly, slightly dilated, decorated with a black humeral spot; hind-pectoral black, hind-feet blackish red at base; antennae black with red at base (from Latin per google translate) Type Locality: Peoria, Illinoi
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
upper midwest - iNat
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus humeralis LeConte, 1866
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus humeralis. 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 humeralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus humeralis
What is Attalus humeralis?
Attalus humeralis is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Attalus humeralis?
Yellow-red, shiny, less densely pubescent, head and thorax slightly shorter than the width, convex, slightly margined, apex truncate, base with rounded posterior corners; elytra sparsely punctate posteriorly, slightly dilated, decorated with a black humeral spot; hind-pectoral black, hind-feet blackish red at base; antennae black with red at base (from Latin per google translate)
Where is Attalus humeralis found?
Range: upper midwest - iNat