Attalus otiosus
This record describes Attalus otiosus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
SPECIFIC CHARACTER: Thorax rufous, with a dilated longitudinal line; antennae and elytra black. DESCRIPTION: Body black, inconspicuously hairy; head with three obtuse indentations between the eyes; antennae, black; labrum and clypeus before, rufous; thorax rufous, with a much dilated black line from the anterior to the posterior edge; elytra black, with a very slight violaceous tinge; pectus [sternum] pale rufous, or testaceous; origin of the feet black; postpectus black; venter black, segments with more or less dilated, sanguineous margins; sometimes entirely sanguineous; feet black; anterior thighs sometimes pale. - Det. MJ Paulsen, 2025 Det. Adriean Mayor, 2019 a common eastern species. … Adriean Mayor, 9 September, 2019
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
e.US
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus otiosus. 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 otiosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus otiosus
What is Attalus otiosus?
Attalus otiosus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Attalus otiosus?
SPECIFIC CHARACTER: Thorax rufous, with a dilated longitudinal line; antennae and elytra black. DESCRIPTION: Body black, inconspicuously hairy; head with three obtuse indentations between the eyes; antennae, black; labrum and clypeus before, rufous; thorax rufous, with a much dilated black line from the anterior to the posterior edge; elytra black, with a very slight violaceous tinge; pectus [sternum] pale rufous, or testaceous; origin of the feet black; postpectus black; venter black, segments with more or less dilated, sanguineous margins; sometimes entirely sanguineous; feet black; anterior thighs sometimes pale. - Det. MJ Paulsen, 2025 Det. Adriean Mayor, 2019
Where is Attalus otiosus found?
Range: e.US
When is Attalus otiosus active?
Attalus otiosus: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug (BG data).