ColeopteraMordellidae – Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordellaria borealis

This record describes Mordellaria borealis (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Mordellaria borealis - Mordellaria borealis
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Identification notes

Holotype

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Mordellidae (Tumbling Flower Beetles)
Tribe
Mordellini
Genus
Mordellaria

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

transcontinental (BC‒YT‒NS south to CO)

Seasonal Activity

Jun‒Sep

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Mordellaria borealis (LeConte 1862)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellaria borealis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Mordellaria borealis (5)

Mordellaria borealis - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Mordellaria borealis - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Mordellaria borealis - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Mordellaria borealis - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Mordellaria borealis - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellaria borealis

How big is Mordellaria borealis?

3‒4 mm to apices of elytra

How do you identify Mordellaria borealis?

Holotype

Where is Mordellaria borealis found?

Range: transcontinental (BC‒YT‒NS south to CO)

When is Mordellaria borealis active?

Mordellaria borealis: seasonal activity - Jun‒Sep.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.