Longitarsus melanurus
This record describes Longitarsus melanurus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsum distinctly alutaceous, moderately shining, brownish-piceous, antennae reddish brown, darker apically, legs except for hind femora yellowish.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Longitarsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-QC-MB) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded from Cynoglossum officinale, Echium vulgare, Hackelia virginiana, Myosotis macrosperma , and Onosmodium molle (Boraginaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Longitarsus melanurus (F.E. Melsheimer 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Longitarsus melanurus. 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 Longitarsus melanurus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Longitarsus melanurus
What is Longitarsus melanurus?
Longitarsus melanurus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Longitarsus melanurus?
2-2.5 mm
How do you identify Longitarsus melanurus?
Dorsum distinctly alutaceous, moderately shining, brownish-piceous, antennae reddish brown, darker apically, legs except for hind femora yellowish.
Where is Longitarsus melanurus found?
Range: e. NA (TX-FL-QC-MB) - Map
What does Longitarsus melanurus eat?
The diet of the Longitarsus melanurus includes recorded from Cynoglossum officinale, Echium vulgare, Hackelia virginiana, Myosotis macrosperma , and Onosmodium molle (Boraginaceae) ( 4 ).