Melanophthalma pumila
This record describes Melanophthalma pumila (species). Recorded family: Latridiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prosternum swollen and prominent anterior to procoxae (easily seen in lateral view)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Latridiidae (Minute Brown Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Corticariinae
- Genus
- Melanophthalma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dead and decaying wood in coniferous (and occasionally deciduous) forests
Geographic Range
most of NA (NH-BC to FL-CA) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pumila = 'dwarf'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanophthalma pumila. 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 Melanophthalma pumila (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charlene Wood; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanophthalma pumila
What is Melanophthalma pumila?
Melanophthalma pumila is a species in the family Latridiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanophthalma pumila?
1.5-1.7 mm
How do you identify Melanophthalma pumila?
Prosternum swollen and prominent anterior to procoxae (easily seen in lateral view)
Where is Melanophthalma pumila found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dead and decaying wood in coniferous (and occasionally deciduous) forests |
| Range | most of NA (NH-BC to FL-CA) - Map |