Malthinus flaveolus
This record describes Malthinus flaveolus (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 5-6mm. This is the commonest species in the genus. The greyish brown elytra bear a pair of yellow spots. Scutellum completely yellow. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum yellow with usually with some dark markings, that can vary in extent. When viewed from above the sides of the pronotum is more or less parallel and gently curve around to the front. |
| Head | Head all black from the front/middle of the eyes to the back. Front of the head yellow without any orange. |
| Elytra | Elytra not clearly punctured in obvious rows along the length. |
| Legs | Legs yellow. There are four UK species in the genus but these can generally be separated with care. M. seriepunctatus is the most similar but is smaller than M. flaveolus . Malthodes species are often confused with Malthinus species but one general way of distinguishing is that Malthinus have Y shaped heads and the head of Malthodes are much more rounded. Your specimen should have these features: Hedgerows and wooded areas, especially on Oaks. Widespread in England and Wales, less common in Scotland. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cantharidae
- Genus
- Malthinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and wooded areas, especially on Oaks.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales, less common in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malthinus flaveolus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malthinus flaveolus
What is Malthinus flaveolus?
Malthinus flaveolus is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Malthinus flaveolus found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and wooded areas, especially on Oaks.
When is Malthinus flaveolus active?
Malthinus flaveolus: seasonal activity - June to August..