Collops nigriceps
This record describes Collops nigriceps (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
prothorax black on disc, or immaculate; antennae wholly testaceous in male (last couplet in key, emphasis added) ( 3 ) legs and a large patch on the disc of the prothorax black. The testaceous, tapering antennae of the male, with unusually stout third joint, and the peculiar sculpture of the head, are the distinguishing characters ( 3 ) , front femora may be reddish Det. V. Belov, 2009 thoracic spot seems to be large and constantly present in the northern specimens but is sometimes entirely absent in examples from Florida. These constitute the variety floridanus of Schaeffer ( 4 )
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
- Collops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Atlantic Coastal line (ME-FL-TX) / Mex. - Map , "common" in FL , "large series" in FL
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Collops nigriceps (Say)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Collops nigriceps. 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 Collops nigriceps (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Collops nigriceps
What is Collops nigriceps?
Collops nigriceps is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Collops nigriceps?
prothorax black on disc, or immaculate; antennae wholly testaceous in male (last couplet in key, emphasis added) ( 3 ) legs and a large patch on the disc of the prothorax black. The testaceous, tapering antennae of the male, with unusually stout third joint, and the peculiar sculpture of the head, are the distinguishing characters ( 3 ) , front femora may be reddish Det. V. Belov, 2009 thoracic spot seems to be large and constantly present in the northern specimens but is sometimes entirely absent in examples from Florida. These constitute the variety floridanus of Schaeffer ( 4 )
Where is Collops nigriceps found?
Range: Atlantic Coastal line (ME-FL-TX) / Mex. - Map , common in FL , large series in FL
When is Collops nigriceps active?
Collops nigriceps: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Aug (BG data).