Malthinus difficilis
This record describes Malthinus difficilis (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spmns with uniformly yellow head and pronotum are freq., but most spmns have a brown spot of variable size at the base of the frons extending in some spmns to the upper margin of the eyes. In most spmns the pronotum has a complete, wide, brown longitudinal stripe, narrowed or obsolescent in some spmns. Some spmns with uniformly yellow head and pronotum have uniformly yellow elytra; however, the elytra are normally dardened along the suture, leaving only shoulders and sides yellow to a varied extent, elytral apices in all spmns sulphur-yellow. (Wittmer 1980)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Malthininae
- Tribe
- Malthinini
- Genus
- Malthinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on bracken ferns in piney woods of east TX
Geographic Range
se US (e.TX-FL-NC) - Map ( 3 ) (GBIF)
Seasonal Activity
Apr. in e. TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Malthinus difficilis LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malthinus difficilis. 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 Malthinus difficilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Malthinus difficilis
What is Malthinus difficilis?
Malthinus difficilis is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Malthinus difficilis?
3 mm
How do you identify Malthinus difficilis?
Spmns with uniformly yellow head and pronotum are freq., but most spmns have a brown spot of variable size at the base of the frons extending in some spmns to the upper margin of the eyes. In most spmns the pronotum has a complete, wide, brown longitudinal stripe, narrowed or obsolescent in some spmns. Some spmns with uniformly yellow head and pronotum have uniformly yellow elytra; however, the elytra are normally dardened along the suture, leaving only shoulders and sides yellow to a varied extent, elytral apices in all spmns sulphur-yellow. (Wittmer 1980)
Where is Malthinus difficilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on bracken ferns in piney woods of east TX |
| Range | se US (e.TX-FL-NC) - Map ( 3 ) (GBIF) |
When is Malthinus difficilis active?
Malthinus difficilis: seasonal activity - Apr. in e. TX.