Lytta mutilata
This record describes Lytta mutilata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Prothorax widest before middle, not angulate. |
| Head | Head between eyes, and all of dorsum of pronotum rufous. Male with antennal segments 4 and 5 distorted. |
| Elytra | Elytra finely rugose, not reticulate. Werner et al. list Lytta mutilata as 'abundant' in AZ, but that may have been due to an outbreak. (BG data) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Genus
- Lytta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. CA to w. TX / nc. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Sep
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta mutilata. 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 Lytta mutilata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta mutilata
What is Lytta mutilata?
Lytta mutilata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta mutilata?
14-25 mm
How do you identify Lytta mutilata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Prothorax widest before middle, not angulate. |
| Head | Head between eyes, and all of dorsum of pronotum rufous. Male with antennal segments 4 and 5 distorted. |
| Elytra | Elytra finely rugose, not reticulate. |
Where is Lytta mutilata found?
Range: sw. CA to w. TX / nc. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
When is Lytta mutilata active?
Lytta mutilata: seasonal activity - Aug-Sep.