Melanactes piceus
This record describes Melanactes piceus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large, polished black click beetle ( 3 ) . Blatchley ( 4 ) describes this species: (Note that this historical reference should not necessarily be relied on for keying, but the narrative description should be valid.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oxynopterinae
- Genus
- Melanactes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dillon and Dillon state "adults "found beneath stones and rubbish in dry locations" ( 3 ) . (They are almost surely quoting Blatchley ( 4 ) .) Observed in Piedmont of North Carolina common on vegetation in moist bottomland forests (personal observation, May 2010, see caption to photo).
Geographic Range
e US (TX-GA-NY-NE) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-Jun ( 4 ) ( 6 ) (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pice (L). 'pitch black'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanactes piceus. 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 Melanactes piceus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanactes piceus
What is Melanactes piceus?
Melanactes piceus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanactes piceus?
23-32 mm length (large) ( 3 )
How do you identify Melanactes piceus?
A large, polished black click beetle ( 3 ) . Blatchley ( 4 ) describes this species: (Note that this historical reference should not necessarily be relied on for keying, but the narrative description should be valid.)
Where is Melanactes piceus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dillon and Dillon state adults found beneath stones and rubbish in dry locations ( 3 ) . (They are almost surely quoting Blatchley ( 4 ) .) Observed in Piedmont of North Carolina common on vegetation in moist bottomland forests (personal observation, May 2010, see caption to photo). |
| Range | e US (TX-GA-NY-NE) ( 5 ) |
When is Melanactes piceus active?
Melanactes piceus: seasonal activity - mostly May-Jun ( 4 ) ( 6 ) (BG data).