Mallodrya subaenea
This record describes Mallodrya subaenea (species). Recorded family: Synchroidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is little-known, with only one record on BugGuide and no records on iNaturalist as of 19 September 2025. A historical report (Drury, 1896) notes its occurrence during the 19th century in Cincinnati, Ohio: The new Melandryid, Mallodryia subenea Horn was abundant, living on the branches of dead haw trees. Note that haw = hawthorn, Crataegus species.
Wikipedia reference for Mallodrya subaenea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallodrya.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Synchroidae (Synchroa Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Mallodrya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Type specimen is from Ohio, but there is little information available otherwise.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mallodrya subaenea. 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 Mallodrya subaenea (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Mallodrya subaenea
What is Mallodrya subaenea?
Mallodrya subaenea is a species in the family Synchroidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mallodrya subaenea?
6-8.5 mm (Horn, 1888)
Where is Mallodrya subaenea found?
Range: Type specimen is from Ohio, but there is little information available otherwise.