Attalus scincetus
This record describes Attalus scincetus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Attalus scincetus (Attalus scincetus) is a species in the family Melyridae, commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Malachiinae, tribe Malachiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cleroidea. This species belongs to the genus Attalus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 3 mm. It is found in on flowers of Prunus, Crataegus, Cornus, Sambucus, Rosa etc. , and on Quercus buckleyi in c.TX. Active during Mar-Jun.
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
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
Habitat
on flowers of Prunus, Crataegus, Cornus, Sambucus, Rosa etc. , and on Quercus buckleyi in c.TX
Geographic Range
e.US (NH‒n.FL to ND‒c.TX)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jun ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus scincetus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus scincetus. 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 scincetus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus scincetus
What is Attalus scincetus?
Attalus scincetus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Attalus scincetus?
3 mm
How do you identify Attalus scincetus?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Attalus scincetus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on flowers of Prunus, Crataegus, Cornus, Sambucus, Rosa etc. , and on Quercus buckleyi in c.TX |
| Range | e.US (NH‒n.FL to ND‒c.TX) |
When is Attalus scincetus active?
Attalus scincetus: seasonal activity - Mar-Jun ( 4 ).