Mordellina pustulata
This record describes Mordellina pustulata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The spotty silvery elytral pubescence diagnostic
Wikipedia reference for Mordellina pustulata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordellina_pustulata.
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
transcontinental (NS-BC to FL-CA)
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Life History
has been reared from stems of ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ) and cocklebur ( Xanthium strumarium ; Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellina pustulata (Melsheimer 1845)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellina pustulata. 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 pustulata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellina pustulata
What is Mordellina pustulata?
Mordellina pustulata is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellina pustulata?
Length to apices of elytra, 2-4 mm; to tip of anal style, 2.5-5.5 mm
How do you identify Mordellina pustulata?
The spotty silvery elytral pubescence diagnostic
Where is Mordellina pustulata found?
Range: transcontinental (NS-BC to FL-CA)
When is Mordellina pustulata active?
Mordellina pustulata: seasonal activity - Feb-Sep.
What is the life cycle of a Mordellina pustulata?
has been reared from stems of ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ) and cocklebur ( Xanthium strumarium ; Asteraceae)