Ellychnia megista
This record describes Ellychnia megista (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be distinguished by black pubescence; CA distribution; convex median portion of pronotum finely punctate and shining; pronotum bicolored; with broad, uninterrupted, red, sub-lateral vittae from apex to base; narrow black lateral edges; and median black area with parallel-to-subparallel sides, from apex to feebly expanded base
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Ellychnia (Diurnal Fireflies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA west of the Sierra Nevada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellychnia megista Fender 1970
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellychnia megista. 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 Ellychnia megista (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellychnia megista
What is Ellychnia megista?
Ellychnia megista is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ellychnia megista?
13.5‒18 mm
How do you identify Ellychnia megista?
can be distinguished by black pubescence; CA distribution; convex median portion of pronotum finely punctate and shining; pronotum bicolored; with broad, uninterrupted, red, sub-lateral vittae from apex to base; narrow black lateral edges; and median black area with parallel-to-subparallel sides, from apex to feebly expanded base
Where is Ellychnia megista found?
Range: CA west of the Sierra Nevada