Malthinus occipitalis
This record describes Malthinus occipitalis (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010 Originally described from 3 female spmns from South Carolina, however no usable characters for identification of females have been found, thus it is not possible to interpret this species unequivocally.
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
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
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-QC-OH) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly s.KS to c.TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly Apr-May ( 5 ) (BG Data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most specimens beaten from oak ( Quercus ) ( 3 ) , particularly on Quercus buckleyi , Quercus fusiformis , and cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia ) in c. TX ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Malthinus occipitalis LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malthinus occipitalis. 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 occipitalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by cotinis , Maury Heiman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Malthinus occipitalis
What is Malthinus occipitalis?
Malthinus occipitalis is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Malthinus occipitalis?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Malthinus occipitalis found?
Range: e. NA (TX-FL-QC-OH) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly s.KS to c.TX
What does Malthinus occipitalis eat?
The diet of the Malthinus occipitalis includes most specimens beaten from oak ( Quercus ) ( 3 ) , particularly on Quercus buckleyi , Quercus fusiformis , and cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia ) in c. TX ( 5 ).
When is Malthinus occipitalis active?
Malthinus occipitalis: seasonal activity - mostly Apr-May ( 5 ) (BG Data).