Melanotus indistinctus
This record describes Melanotus indistinctus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male. - Same as communis , but average size smaller, a little darker in color, frontal margin little wider than black border, parantennal fovea small but distinct, and pronotal pimctures somewhat larger and denser. Genitalia with slender, tapering aedeagus, paramere shorter and thicker in communis, emargination before blade deeper and more marked, blade broader and shorter. Female. - Not clearly separable from communis
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
Geographic Range
se US (VA-MS to KS-TX)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanotus indistinctus Quate 1967
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus indistinctus. 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 indistinctus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotus indistinctus
What is Melanotus indistinctus?
Melanotus indistinctus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanotus indistinctus?
elytron 7.4-9.4 mm
How do you identify Melanotus indistinctus?
Male. - Same as communis , but average size smaller, a little darker in color, frontal margin little wider than black border, parantennal fovea small but distinct, and pronotal pimctures somewhat larger and denser. Genitalia with slender, tapering aedeagus, paramere shorter and thicker in communis, emargination before blade deeper and more marked, blade broader and shorter. Female. - Not clearly separable from communis
Where is Melanotus indistinctus found?
Range: se US (VA-MS to KS-TX)