Mordellina ancilla
This record describes Mordellina ancilla (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mordellina ancilla (Mordellina ancilla) is a species in the family Mordellidae, commonly known as tumbling flower beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the tribe Mordellistenini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Mordellina. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.7‒4.0 mm. Active during see.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mordellidae (Tumbling Flower Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mordellistenini
- Genus
- Mordellina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS‒NT to FL‒AL‒IL) - Map
Seasonal Activity
see ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellina ancilla (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellina ancilla. 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 Mordellina ancilla (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellina ancilla
What is Mordellina ancilla?
Mordellina ancilla is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellina ancilla?
2.7‒4.0 mm
Where is Mordellina ancilla found?
Range: e. NA (NS‒NT to FL‒AL‒IL) - Map
When is Mordellina ancilla active?
Mordellina ancilla: seasonal activity - see ( 5 ).