Mordella signata
This record describes Mordella signata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See: Liljeblad (1945) Species not in TAMU Insect Collection . nor recorded in literature for Texas (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. 2010). Interestingly, the record from UT's Brackenridge Field Lab in Travis County is where Jackman and Nelson (1995) conducted their malaise trapping without finding the species! ( 3 ) There is one spmn in the UTIC collected on the field station grounds dated: September 7, 1997.
Identification notes
See: Liljeblad (1945)
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
AZ-TX / s. to C. Amer.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordella signata Champion, 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordella signata. 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 signata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordella signata
What is Mordella signata?
Mordella signata is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordella signata?
Length: to apices of elytra, 8 mm.; to tip of anal style, 10 mm.
How do you identify Mordella signata?
See: Liljeblad (1945)
Where is Mordella signata found?
Range: AZ-TX / s. to C. Amer.