Attalus melanopterus
This record describes Attalus melanopterus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
melanopterus is the first of 57 Attalus spp. to key out : 1) Elytra entirely black or piceous; 2) Head and thorax rufotestaceous; 3) Abdomen pale rufous = Attalus melanopterus leg color variable: The only specimen of this species which was known to Horn had the legs pale rufous, hind femora at the tip piceous. Five specimens are before me, all females, of which three have the legs colored as in Horn’s specimen. One, from Ohio, has the legs all rufous and one, from Florida, has the legs all black, except the proximal ends of the anterior femora.
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
TN, IN , OH, FL , OK (24 spmns) , melanopterus was amoung the most common Attalus spp. coll'ed by Stephan in e.OK, but I don't find any matches for it on iNat in any states surrounding OK (MAQ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus melanopterus (Erichson, 1840)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus melanopterus. 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 melanopterus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus melanopterus
What is Attalus melanopterus?
Attalus melanopterus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Attalus melanopterus?
melanopterus is the first of 57 Attalus spp. to key out : 1) Elytra entirely black or piceous; 2) Head and thorax rufotestaceous; 3) Abdomen pale rufous = Attalus melanopterus leg color variable: The only specimen of this species which was known to Horn had the legs pale rufous, hind femora at the tip piceous. Five specimens are before me, all females, of which three have the legs colored as in Horn’s specimen. One, from Ohio, has the legs all rufous and one, from Florida, has the legs all black, except the proximal ends of the anterior femora.
Where is Attalus melanopterus found?
Range: TN, IN , OH, FL , OK (24 spmns) , melanopterus was amoung the most common Attalus spp. coll'ed by Stephan in e.OK, but I don't find any matches for it on iNat in any states surrounding OK (MAQ)