Mordella obliqua
This record describes Mordella obliqua (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
prothorax with scattered cinereous hairs, and two indistinct vittee more densely cinereous. Elytra with a very narrow sutural line, and an oblique stripe from the humeri to beyond the middle, where it becomes obsolete, cinereous, Scutellum cinereous. Beneath black; anal process long and slender.
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.US to c.TX - Map , rare
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordella obliqua LeConte 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordella obliqua. 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 obliqua (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordella obliqua
What is Mordella obliqua?
Mordella obliqua is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordella obliqua?
Length: to apices of elytra, 2.75-3 mm.; to tip of anal style, 4-4.25 mm
How do you identify Mordella obliqua?
prothorax with scattered cinereous hairs, and two indistinct vittee more densely cinereous. Elytra with a very narrow sutural line, and an oblique stripe from the humeri to beyond the middle, where it becomes obsolete, cinereous, Scutellum cinereous. Beneath black; anal process long and slender.
Where is Mordella obliqua found?
Range: e.US to c.TX - Map , rare
When is Mordella obliqua active?
Mordella obliqua: seasonal activity - May-Jul ( 3 ).