Monotoma testacea
This record describes Monotoma testacea (species). Recorded family: Monotomidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Monotoma testacea (Monotoma testacea) is a species in the family Monotomidae, commonly known as minute clubbed beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Monotominae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Monotoma. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 1.8-2.2 mm. It is found in rotting plant debris, incl. compost, hay/straw ; mills/granaries. Active during more often collected during fall/winter.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Monotomidae (Minute Clubbed Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Monotominae
- Genus
- Monotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
rotting plant debris, incl. compost, hay/straw ; mills/granaries
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic, adventive and widespread in NA (QC-AB to MD-KS-TX-CA) and elsewhere (S. America, New Zealand)
Seasonal Activity
more often collected during fall/winter ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Monotoma testacea Motschulsky 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Monotoma testacea. 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 Monotoma testacea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Monotoma testacea
What is Monotoma testacea?
Monotoma testacea is a species in the family Monotomidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Monotoma testacea?
1.8-2.2 mm
Where is Monotoma testacea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | rotting plant debris, incl. compost, hay/straw ; mills/granaries |
| Range | native to, and widespread across the Palaearctic, adventive and widespread in NA (QC-AB to MD-KS-TX-CA) and elsewhere (S. America, New Zealand) |
When is Monotoma testacea active?
Monotoma testacea: seasonal activity - more often collected during fall/winter ( 3 ).