Mordellistena aspersa
This record describes Mordellistena aspersa (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
entirely black with brownish-gray pubescence. Hind leg ridges, 2,3,2 (not counting subapical on tibia), with tibia with rudiment of a third ridge, this third ridge sometimes rather long, but very narrow and usually more oblique than others
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
nearly every state - very common
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larva found boring in the pithy walls of the gall formation of the Trupaneid fly Eurosta solidaginis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena aspersa (Melsheimer, 1846)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena aspersa. 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 Mordellistena aspersa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena aspersa
What is Mordellistena aspersa?
Mordellistena aspersa is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena aspersa?
small (for Morellids) 2-2.5mm to apices of elytra
How do you identify Mordellistena aspersa?
entirely black with brownish-gray pubescence. Hind leg ridges, 2,3,2 (not counting subapical on tibia), with tibia with rudiment of a third ridge, this third ridge sometimes rather long, but very narrow and usually more oblique than others
Where is Mordellistena aspersa found?
Range: nearly every state - very common
What does Mordellistena aspersa eat?
The diet of the Mordellistena aspersa includes larva found boring in the pithy walls of the gall formation of the Trupaneid fly Eurosta solidaginis.