Melanotus communis Complex
Melanotus communis-complex
This record describes Melanotus communis-complex (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
members of this complex usually cannot be reliably identified without examination of male genitalia, and include the following species : Some other species are similar but can often be ruled out based on external characters:
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
Species in this complex are readily attracted to lights and collected in Lindgren funnel traps. Adults may be collected under bark and in rotting pine and hardwoods.
Geographic Range
Most species in this complex are variably distributed in eastern North America
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus communis-complex. 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 communis Complex (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , bmathison1972