Meloe impressus
This record describes Meloe impressus (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Meloe impressus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meloe_impressus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Genus
- Meloe (Oil Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental & montane
Seasonal Activity
active primarily during summer and fall ; Aug‒Oct in WI
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Meloe impressus Kirby 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meloe impressus. 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 Meloe impressus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Meloe impressus
How big is Meloe impressus?
6‒17 mm
Where is Meloe impressus found?
Range: northern transcontinental & montane
When is Meloe impressus active?
Meloe impressus: seasonal activity - active primarily during summer and fall ; Aug‒Oct in WI.