Black Pollen Beetle
Fabogethes nigrescens
This record describes Fabogethes nigrescens (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
North America's most commonly encountered meligethine species. Yes, there are a few other species, but it seems like 9 times out of 10 they are nigrescens . --Andy Cline
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Nitidulidae (Sap-feeding Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meligethinae
- Genus
- Fabogethes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open habitats
Geographic Range
Holarctic: transcontinental in n. NA south to VA-KY-OR; w. Europe to Siberia (BG data); adventive in NA, according to other sources
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fabogethes nigrescens (Stephens 1830)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Fabogethes nigrescens. 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 Black Pollen Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn