Collops nigritus
This record describes Collops nigritus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
species described from a single male coll'ed in AZ. differs from all species with unicolorous elytra by the rather strongly angulated first antennal joint of the male, the densely punctate prothorax, and the black elytra. (Schaeffer, 1912) Based on a comment from Adriean J. Mayor dated December 2009, this species is very similar to Collops punctatus LeConte, 1852 and probably they are the same species, but punctatus is the senior name. The differences between the two are minor. C. punctatus has a slightly bluish cast to the elytra while C. nigritus is black with no hint of blue. Other characters, shape of male antennae and the genitalia, punctation of the elytra, etc., are pretty much the same in the two. No one has formally synonymized them at this time. In November 2018, Dr. Mayor commented that C. nigritus is a common species in AZ and NM following the onset of summer rains. It is a close relative of Collops punctatus .
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
AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Collops nigritus Schaeffer, 1912
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Collops nigritus. 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 nigritus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Collops nigritus
What is Collops nigritus?
Collops nigritus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Collops nigritus?
Length 3.5 mm (Schaeffer, 1912)
How do you identify Collops nigritus?
species described from a single male coll'ed in AZ. differs from all species with unicolorous elytra by the rather strongly angulated first antennal joint of the male, the densely punctate prothorax, and the black elytra. (Schaeffer, 1912)
Where is Collops nigritus found?
Range: AZ