Mordellistena cervicalis
This record describes Mordellistena cervicalis (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head and pronotum reddish yellow with black spot or cloud at base of each, antennae with four basal segments pale, others black, elytra black with gray/brown pubescence, front and middle legs pale (male only), posterior legs black, female - all legs black, anal style black with silvery pubescence at base. (Liljeblad, 1945) see remarks on this image: Also, required ridge formula - 2 equal and parallel on the tibia, 3 (sometimes 4) on the first taral, and 2 on the 2nd tarsal
Wikipedia reference for Mordellistena cervicalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordellistena_cervicalis.
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
e. N. Amer. to Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena cervicalis LeConte 1862
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena cervicalis. 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 cervicalis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena cervicalis
What is Mordellistena cervicalis?
Mordellistena cervicalis is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena cervicalis?
Head and pronotum reddish yellow with black spot or cloud at base of each, antennae with four basal segments pale, others black, elytra black with gray/brown pubescence, front and middle legs pale (male only), posterior legs black, female - all legs black, anal style black with silvery pubescence at base. (Liljeblad, 1945) see remarks on this image: Also, required ridge formula - 2 equal and parallel on the tibia, 3 (sometimes 4) on the first taral, and 2 on the 2nd tarsal
Where is Mordellistena cervicalis found?
Range: e. N. Amer. to Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )