Melanotus clandestinus
This record describes Melanotus clandestinus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small size; subequal antennomeres II and III; dense pronotal punctures; dense antennae setae.
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
Usually collected at light.
Geographic Range
New Jersey, south to Florida and west to Texas .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus clandestinus. 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 clandestinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotus clandestinus
What is Melanotus clandestinus?
Melanotus clandestinus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanotus clandestinus?
6.0-10.0 mm .
How do you identify Melanotus clandestinus?
Small size; subequal antennomeres II and III; dense pronotal punctures; dense antennae setae.
Where is Melanotus clandestinus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually collected at light. |
| Range | New Jersey, south to Florida and west to Texas . |