Black Meloe
Meloe niger
This record describes Meloe niger (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
across the north (AK‒NT‒NS) south to c.CA‒sw.TX‒WI‒PA - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Aug ; in WI, demonstrates both a spring and fall activity
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Bee Host: Colletes fulgidus Swenk per: MacSwain Det. John S. Ascher, 2014
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Meloe niger Kirby 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meloe niger. 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 Black Meloe (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Meloe
How big is Black Meloe?
8‒18 mm
Where is Black Meloe found?
Range: across the north (AK‒NT‒NS) south to c.CA‒sw.TX‒WI‒PA - Map
When is Black Meloe active?
Black Meloe: seasonal activity - Mar-Aug ; in WI, demonstrates both a spring and fall activity.
What is the life cycle of a Black Meloe?
Bee Host: Colletes fulgidus Swenk per: MacSwain Det. John S. Ascher, 2014