Mordella marginata
This record describes Mordella marginata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Wikipedia reference for Mordella marginata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordella_marginata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mordellidae (Tumbling Flower Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mordellini
- Genus
- Mordella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to AZ (NS-FL to MB-CO-AZ) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reared from dead Quercus, Carya, Sapindus ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordella marginata Melsheimer 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordella marginata. 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 Mordella marginata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordella marginata
How big is Mordella marginata?
4.0-5.5 mm
How do you identify Mordella marginata?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Where is Mordella marginata found?
Range: e. NA to AZ (NS-FL to MB-CO-AZ) - Map
What does Mordella marginata eat?
The diet of the Mordella marginata includes Reared from dead Quercus, Carya, Sapindus ( 3 ).
When is Mordella marginata active?
Mordella marginata: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Jul (BG data).