ColeopteraMeloidae – Blister Beetles

Meloe strigulosus

This record describes Meloe strigulosus (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Meloe strigulosus - Meloe strigulosus
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov

Antennomere 4 slightly shorter than 3rd and 5th

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

AK‒Baja‒AZ

Seasonal Activity

Winter-active

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Meloe strigulosus Mannerheim 1852

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meloe strigulosus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Meloe strigulosus (5)

Meloe strigulosus - photo 1
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov
Meloe strigulosus - photo 2
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov
Meloe strigulosus - photo 3
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov
Meloe strigulosus - photo 4
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov
Meloe strigulosus - photo 5
Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Meloe strigulosus

What is Meloe strigulosus?

Meloe strigulosus is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Meloe strigulosus?

9‒17 mm

How do you identify Meloe strigulosus?

Antennomere 4 slightly shorter than 3rd and 5th

Where is Meloe strigulosus found?

Range: AK‒Baja‒AZ

When is Meloe strigulosus active?

Meloe strigulosus: seasonal activity - Winter-active.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , Acmaeodera , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.