Lytta unguicularis
This record describes Lytta unguicularis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Legs orange, except for the tip of tarsi, claws (hence the name), and knees. Males with modified front and hind legs; females differ from L. aenea in the short and sparse pubescence on head and pronotum, and lack of a colour contrast between forebody and elytra (inconstant in L. aenea at least, however)
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
Illinois; eastern Alabama - Smoky Mountains (TN/NC); might be Appalachian species; type series from Illinois (no locality), no further IL records
Seasonal Activity
May‒Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta unguicularis (LeConte 1867)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta unguicularis. 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 unguicularis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytta unguicularis
What is Lytta unguicularis?
Lytta unguicularis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lytta unguicularis?
17‒25 mm
How do you identify Lytta unguicularis?
Legs orange, except for the tip of tarsi, claws (hence the name), and knees. Males with modified front and hind legs; females differ from L. aenea in the short and sparse pubescence on head and pronotum, and lack of a colour contrast between forebody and elytra (inconstant in L. aenea at least, however)
Where is Lytta unguicularis found?
Range: Illinois; eastern Alabama - Smoky Mountains (TN/NC); might be Appalachian species; type series from Illinois (no locality), no further IL records
When is Lytta unguicularis active?
Lytta unguicularis: seasonal activity - May‒Jul.