Attalus subtropicus
This record describes Attalus subtropicus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | elytra shiny and nearly parallel-sided, back of head black and wide pronotal stripe always present Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Male. Elongate-oblong, scarcely widened behind . Color testaceous [dull brick red], the head [black] posterior to a line connecting the center of the eyes, a broad median thoracic stripe, a broad vitta on each elytron , and the last two tergites (except for the lateral margins) piceous [pitch black]. |
| Antennae | Antennae short for the genus, not passing the thorax by more than two segments, moderately serrate and pubescent. Prothorax almost circular in outline, viewed from directly above, 1.15 times wider than long; surface and pubescence as in the head, with a very few scattered erect setae. |
| Elytra | Elytra practically parallel , the piceous vittae narrowed from both sides just anterior to the middle, not quite reaching the lateral margin posteriorly and more remote from the sutural and apical margins; surface shining , finely and rather densely punctulate, the pale pubescence fine, semi-erect and inconspicuous, no erect setae clearly distinguishable from the balance of the pubescence. Last two tergites exposed beyond the elytra, the pygidium acutely and angularly emarginate at the tip. (slightly abbreviated description w/ emphasis added) Type Locality: Holotype, male, Brownsville, Texas, V-26-03 and allotype, female, Esperanza Rch., Brownsville, Tex. V-25-03 |
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
so. TX / Mex. ( 3 ) , limited records as far north as Bexar Co. ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Apr (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attalus subtropicus Marshall 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attalus subtropicus. 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 subtropicus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Attalus subtropicus
What is Attalus subtropicus?
Attalus subtropicus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Attalus subtropicus?
Length: male and female, 2.7 mm to tips of elytra
How do you identify Attalus subtropicus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | elytra shiny and nearly parallel-sided, back of head black and wide pronotal stripe always present Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 Male. Elongate-oblong, scarcely widened behind . Color testaceous [dull brick red], the head [black] posterior to a line connecting the center of the eyes, a broad median thoracic stripe, a broad vitta on each elytron , and the last two tergites (except for the lateral margins) piceous [pitch black]. |
| Antennae | Antennae short for the genus, not passing the thorax by more than two segments, moderately serrate and pubescent. Prothorax almost circular in outline, viewed from directly above, 1.15 times wider than long; surface and pubescence as in the head, with a very few scattered erect setae. |
| Elytra | Elytra practically parallel , the piceous vittae narrowed from both sides just anterior to the middle, not quite reaching the lateral margin posteriorly and more remote from the sutural and apical margins; surface shining , finely and rather densely punctulate, the pale pubescence fine, semi-erect and inconspicuous, no erect setae clearly distinguishable from the balance of the pubescence. Last two tergites exposed beyond the elytra, the pygidium acutely and angularly emarginate at the tip. (slightly abbreviated description w/ emphasis added) |
Where is Attalus subtropicus found?
Range: so. TX / Mex. ( 3 ) , limited records as far north as Bexar Co. ( 4 )
When is Attalus subtropicus active?
Attalus subtropicus: seasonal activity - Apr (BG data).