Meibomeus musculus
This record describes Meibomeus musculus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
male antenna entirely pale yellow, female partly infuscated; male mesofemur yellow, female mesofemur partly infuscated; tarsi, fore leg, and mesotibia yellow. Vestiture grayish white, variegated, in an irregular band across middle of elytra; and in three basal spots on pygidium with setae diagonally oriented toward midline - female Det. Betsy Betros, 2020 Type Locality: Indiana
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Meibomeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (e.TX-FL-MA-MI) - Map , widespread, but uncommon
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Desmodium spp. & Lespedeza hirta , both Fabaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (L). 'a small mouse'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meibomeus musculus. 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 Meibomeus musculus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Meibomeus musculus
What is Meibomeus musculus?
Meibomeus musculus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Meibomeus musculus?
Body length 1.6–2.7 mm
How do you identify Meibomeus musculus?
male antenna entirely pale yellow, female partly infuscated; male mesofemur yellow, female mesofemur partly infuscated; tarsi, fore leg, and mesotibia yellow. Vestiture grayish white, variegated, in an irregular band across middle of elytra; and in three basal spots on pygidium with setae diagonally oriented toward midline - female Det. Betsy Betros, 2020
Where is Meibomeus musculus found?
Range: e US (e.TX-FL-MA-MI) - Map , widespread, but uncommon
What does Meibomeus musculus eat?
The diet of the Meibomeus musculus includes Desmodium spp. & Lespedeza hirta , both Fabaceae.
When is Meibomeus musculus active?
Meibomeus musculus: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov ( 4 ).