Collops vicarius
This record describes Collops vicarius (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Extremely like tricolor and separable with certainty only by the male antennal characters. The basal joint of the male antenna is here much less broadly triangular than in tricolor , being more than 1/2 longer than wide, and the 2d joint is less transverse and when viewed on the convex side the exterior apical angle is less produced and more broadly rounded than in tricolor . Type Locality: Miller, [Morgan Co.,] Indiana, collected by Mr. A. B. Wolcott; a second male from McAlester, Indian Territory, [Pittsburg Co., Okla.] collected by Professor Wickham.
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
IN, OK
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Collops vicarius Fall 1912
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Collops vicarius. 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 vicarius (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Collops vicarius
What is Collops vicarius?
Collops vicarius is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Collops vicarius?
Extremely like tricolor and separable with certainty only by the male antennal characters. The basal joint of the male antenna is here much less broadly triangular than in tricolor , being more than 1/2 longer than wide, and the 2d joint is less transverse and when viewed on the convex side the exterior apical angle is less produced and more broadly rounded than in tricolor .
Where is Collops vicarius found?
Range: IN, OK