Dasytes plumbeus
This record describes Dasytes plumbeus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3.5 to 4.5 mm. Elongate, dark green with metallic sheen. Both long, erect hairs and flat pubescent on dorsal surface. Elytra wider at the base than the pronotum. Femora are black but tibiae and tarsi are pale. The adults are often found visiting flowers. Late spring and summer. Peaking June-July. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Dasytes plumbeus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasytes_plumbeus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Melyridae (Soft-winged Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dasytinae
- Tribe
- Dasytini
- Genus
- Dasytes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The adults are often found visiting flowers.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer. Peaking June-July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dasytes plumbeus. 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 Dasytes plumbeus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dasytes plumbeus
What is Dasytes plumbeus?
Dasytes plumbeus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Dasytes plumbeus found?
Habitat: The adults are often found visiting flowers.
When is Dasytes plumbeus active?
Dasytes plumbeus: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer. Peaking June-July..