Mordellistena andreae
This record describes Mordellistena andreae (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
characteristic pattern Today, restricted on the typical andreae form of authors, other subspecies have been found not being conspecific: Jackman and Lu also noted that the penultimate segments of the anterior and middle tarsi are emarginate in M. andreae ; not truncate as in M. ancilla . Having not examined M. andreae , no changes in status are recommended. However, the emarginate tarsomeres suggest the species is not well placed in either Mordellina or Mordellistena .
Identification notes
characteristic pattern
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Mordellidae (Tumbling Flower Beetles)
- Tribe
- Mordellistenini
- Genus
- Mordellistena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
south-eastern (VA - AL). old data [TX-FL-MA-MN may include M. ancilla .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena andreae LeConte 1862
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena andreae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena andreae
What is Mordellistena andreae?
Mordellistena andreae is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena andreae?
characteristic pattern
Where is Mordellistena andreae found?
Range: south-eastern (VA - AL). old data [TX-FL-MA-MN may include M. ancilla .