Axinotarsus pulicarius
This record describes Axinotarsus pulicarius (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see earliest NA records: ON 2008 (BG data), BC 2010
Identification notes
see
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
- Axinotarsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive in NA (ON, BC) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults on Holcus lanatus and Dactylis glomerata
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Axinotarsus pulicarius (Fabricius 1776)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Axinotarsus pulicarius. 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 Axinotarsus pulicarius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Axinotarsus pulicarius
What is Axinotarsus pulicarius?
Axinotarsus pulicarius is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Axinotarsus pulicarius?
2.8–3.8 mm
How do you identify Axinotarsus pulicarius?
see
Where is Axinotarsus pulicarius found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive in NA (ON, BC) (BG data)
What does Axinotarsus pulicarius eat?
The diet of the Axinotarsus pulicarius includes adults on Holcus lanatus and Dactylis glomerata.