Malacopterus tenellus
This record describes Malacopterus tenellus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Xystrocerini
- Genus
- Malacopterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (s.CA-NM, s. TX) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on dead wood of hackberry, willow, and poplar
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: tenellus = 'somewhat delicate'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malacopterus tenellus. 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 Malacopterus tenellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Malacopterus tenellus
Where is Malacopterus tenellus found?
Range: sw. US (s.CA-NM, s. TX) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
What does Malacopterus tenellus eat?
The diet of the Malacopterus tenellus includes Larvae feed on dead wood of hackberry, willow, and poplar.
When is Malacopterus tenellus active?
Malacopterus tenellus: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug (BG data).