Mordellina wickhami
This record describes Mordellina wickhami (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
entirely fulvous (reddish/brownish-yellow), with dark (bluish) abdominals tibia with 2 ridges, apical crossing the entire face Type Locality: Leeds, Utah. A male, collected August 4 by H. F. Wickham;
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
reported from UT, TX, WI, GA (more certainly likely)
Seasonal Activity
10 spmns coll. Apr-Jun, Aug in c. TX.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellina wickhami. 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 wickhami (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellina wickhami
What is Mordellina wickhami?
Mordellina wickhami is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellina wickhami?
Length: to apices of elytra, 3.754 mm.; to tip of anal style, 5-5.5 mm.
How do you identify Mordellina wickhami?
entirely fulvous (reddish/brownish-yellow), with dark (bluish) abdominals tibia with 2 ridges, apical crossing the entire face
Where is Mordellina wickhami found?
Range: reported from UT, TX, WI, GA (more certainly likely)
When is Mordellina wickhami active?
Mordellina wickhami: seasonal activity - 10 spmns coll. Apr-Jun, Aug in c. TX..