ColeopteraMordellidae – Tumbling Flower Beetles

Mordellaria undulata

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

Identification and Appearance

Mordellaria undulata - Mordellaria undulata
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Identification notes

dorsal marking are unique

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

e. NA, abscent from deep south (NB-MD-KY to ON-IA-TX) - Map

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Mordellaria undulata (Melsheimer 1845)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellaria undulata. 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 undulata (5)

Mordellaria undulata - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Mordellaria undulata - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Mordellaria undulata - photo 3
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Mordellaria undulata - photo 4
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Mordellaria undulata - photo 5
Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellaria undulata

How big is Mordellaria undulata?

Length to apices of elytra, 2.5-3 mm; to tip of anal style, 3-3.5 mm

How do you identify Mordellaria undulata?

dorsal marking are unique

Where is Mordellaria undulata found?

Range: e. NA, abscent from deep south (NB-MD-KY to ON-IA-TX) - Map

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

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