Megetra vittata
This record describes Megetra vittata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal surface of the elytra are finely, but irregularly reticulate, with punctures of varying size. Elytra are abrubtly deflexed down the side, producing a well-defined edge, a character shared with M. cancellata , but not punctata .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Megetra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ-NM (plus a pair of historical records from w. TX) - Map Northern AZ (including Verde Valley, Flagstaff, Kayenta, Canyon de Chelly); SW Colorado (Ignacio); New Mexico (San Juan, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe counties, south to Socorro and Dona Ana counties).
Seasonal Activity
mostly: July-Sept
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megetra vittata. 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 Megetra vittata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Megetra vittata
What is Megetra vittata?
Megetra vittata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Megetra vittata?
Dorsal surface of the elytra are finely, but irregularly reticulate, with punctures of varying size. Elytra are abrubtly deflexed down the side, producing a well-defined edge, a character shared with M. cancellata , but not punctata .
Where is Megetra vittata found?
Range: AZ-NM (plus a pair of historical records from w. TX) - Map Northern AZ (including Verde Valley, Flagstaff, Kayenta, Canyon de Chelly); SW Colorado (Ignacio); New Mexico (San Juan, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe counties, south to Socorro and Dona Ana counties).
When is Megetra vittata active?
Megetra vittata: seasonal activity - mostly: July-Sept.