Melanotus lanceatus
This record describes Melanotus lanceatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
closely related to M. longulus ; the smaller pronotal punctures in lanceatus are the most noticeable difference
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
AZ & TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanotus lanceatus Quate 1967
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus lanceatus. 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 lanceatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotus lanceatus
What is Melanotus lanceatus?
Melanotus lanceatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanotus lanceatus?
elytron 5.7-7.2 mm
How do you identify Melanotus lanceatus?
closely related to M. longulus ; the smaller pronotal punctures in lanceatus are the most noticeable difference
Where is Melanotus lanceatus found?
Range: AZ & TX