Attalus scapularis
This record describes Attalus scapularis (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M.A. Quinn, 2013 This species resembles typical A. humeralis closely as to color and runs to this species in my 1951 key to the species of Attalus . It is however, more oval, with the elytra less shining and much more densely and coarsely punctate. It can be easily separated by the pygidium, which is entire in the male, deeply and narrowly emarginate in the female, as in A. tucsonensis Marshall, while in A. humeralis (Figure 6) the pygidium has a small triangular apical notch in both sexes. Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas. This sp. was described from three spmns, all coll. in Brownsville in 1903, 1937, and 1939.
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
c. TX to ne. Mex. - iNat ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus scapularis Marshall, 1955
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus scapularis. 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 scapularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus scapularis
What is Attalus scapularis?
Attalus scapularis is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Attalus scapularis?
2.5-3.0 mm
How do you identify Attalus scapularis?
Det. M.A. Quinn, 2013 This species resembles typical A. humeralis closely as to color and runs to this species in my 1951 key to the species of Attalus . It is however, more oval, with the elytra less shining and much more densely and coarsely punctate. It can be easily separated by the pygidium, which is entire in the male, deeply and narrowly emarginate in the female, as in A. tucsonensis Marshall, while in A. humeralis (Figure 6) the pygidium has a small triangular apical notch in both sexes.
Where is Attalus scapularis found?
Range: c. TX to ne. Mex. - iNat ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )