Melanotus similis
This record describes Melanotus similis (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Adults often collected at light. Like other members of the communis -complex, adults may be collected under bark and in rotting logs of pine and hardwoods.
Geographic Range
transcontinental (NS-SK-WA TO FL-CA; Mexico)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanotus similis (Kirby 1837)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanotus similis. 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 similis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov