Merinus laevis
This record describes Merinus laevis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, elytra smooth, femora wide, club-shaped; epipleura do not reach tip of elytra (unlike in Alobates ) Males of Alobates have the anteriour femora thicker, almost as in Merinus females, but: - pronotum narrower in relation to elytra, latter less subcylindrical; - lateral bead of pronotum not concealed from dorsal view in posteriour half (visible in anteriour half only in Merinus ) comes to lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Stenochiinae
- Tribe
- Cnodalonini
- Genus
- Merinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
under bark ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-FL to ON-KS-eTX) - Map , mostly e. US & s. Ont.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Merinus laevis ( Olivier 1795)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Merinus laevis. 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 Merinus laevis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Merinus laevis
What is Merinus laevis?
Merinus laevis is a species in the family Tenebrionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Merinus laevis?
18-26 mm
How do you identify Merinus laevis?
Large, elytra smooth, femora wide, club-shaped; epipleura do not reach tip of elytra (unlike in Alobates ) Males of Alobates have the anteriour femora thicker, almost as in Merinus females, but: - pronotum narrower in relation to elytra, latter less subcylindrical; - lateral bead of pronotum not concealed from dorsal view in posteriour half (visible in anteriour half only in Merinus )
Where is Merinus laevis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. NA (QC-FL to ON-KS-eTX) - Map , mostly e. US & s. Ont. |