Common Malachite Beetle
Malachius bipustulatus
This record describes Malachius bipustulatus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 5.5-6 mm. Emerald green (can be bronze) elytra with twin red spots. The pronotum is transverse and usually has red margins on the anterior corners. The front of the head between the eyes curves back. Cordylepherus viridis is very similar but with a blue tint to the metallic elytra. It has a more quadrate pronotum that never has red margins. The front of the head between the antennae projects forward. The adult beetle is a predator and is found mainly on vegetation, where it hunts on flowers and amongst grasses. Later in its season, it is also found on trees where it lays its eggs in cracks in the bark. The larvae are predacious on smaller insects living under the loose bark of trees. Widespread and common in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Malachius bipustulatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachius_bipustulatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Melyridae
- Genus
- Malachius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adult beetle is a predator and is found mainly on vegetation, where it hunts on flowers and amongst grasses.
Seasonal Activity
From April to July/August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Later in its season, it is also found on trees where it lays its eggs in cracks in the bark. The larvae are predacious on smaller insects living under the loose bark of trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malachius bipustulatus. 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 Common Malachite Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Malachite Beetle
What is Common Malachite Beetle?
Common Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus) is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Common Malachite Beetle?
5.5-6 mm. Emerald green (can be bronze) elytra with twin red spots. The pronotum is transverse and usually has red margins on the anterior corners. The front of the head between the eyes curves back.
Where is Common Malachite Beetle found?
Habitat: The adult beetle is a predator and is found mainly on vegetation, where it hunts on flowers and amongst grasses.
When is Common Malachite Beetle active?
Common Malachite Beetle: seasonal activity - From April to July/August..
What is the life cycle of a Common Malachite Beetle?
Later in its season, it is also found on trees where it lays its eggs in cracks in the bark. The larvae are predacious on smaller insects living under the loose bark of trees.