Collops vittatus
This record describes Collops vittatus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Say's original 1824 description indicates pronotum has a large black spot (or two that are confluent), but the discussion in Fall states: The thoracic spot may be large or small, is often divided into two smaller ones, and is not infrequently entirely wanting. Dets. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Wikipedia reference for Collops vittatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collops_vittatus.
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
widely dist. (across s. Can. to c. Mex.) - iNat ( 3 ) , most records sw.US and AB to PEI
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: vittatus (L). 'A band, stripe; striped'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Collops vittatus. 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 vittatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Collops vittatus
What is Collops vittatus?
Collops vittatus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Collops vittatus?
Say's original 1824 description indicates pronotum has a large black spot (or two that are confluent), but the discussion in Fall states: The thoracic spot may be large or small, is often divided into two smaller ones, and is not infrequently entirely wanting. Dets. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Collops vittatus found?
Range: widely dist. (across s. Can. to c. Mex.) - iNat ( 3 ) , most records sw.US and AB to PEI
When is Collops vittatus active?
Collops vittatus: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug (BG data).