Melanotus castanipes
This record describes Melanotus castanipes (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 13 to 19 mm It is unicolourous black, or with slightly browner head and is very elongated with tapering elytra. Longitudinal rows of pits are obvious, as are densely scattered pits on the pronotum. The legs and antennae are black and the antennae are long, extending a way beyond the posterior margin of the pronotum, slightly shorter in the female. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Best looked for where pine logs and stumps are present. The status has been revised since 2004, splitting this species from M. villosus, so precise status is unclear, but it would seem that M. castanipes is much the commoner of the two species.
Wikipedia reference for Melanotus castanipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanotus_castanipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Tribe
- Melanotini
- Genus
- Melanotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Best looked for where pine logs and stumps are present.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The status has been revised since 2004, splitting this species from M. villosus, so precise status is unclear, but it would seem that M. castanipes is much the commoner of the two species.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus castanipes. 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 Melanotus castanipes (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotus castanipes
What is Melanotus castanipes?
Melanotus castanipes is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanotus castanipes?
13 to 19 mm It is unicolourous black, or with slightly browner head and is very elongated with tapering elytra. Longitudinal rows of pits are obvious, as are densely scattered pits on the pronotum. The legs and antennae are black and the antennae are long, extending a way beyond the posterior margin of the pronotum, slightly shorter in the female.
Where is Melanotus castanipes found?
Habitat: Best looked for where pine logs and stumps are present.
When is Melanotus castanipes active?
Melanotus castanipes: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..