Mordellistena comata
This record describes Mordellistena comata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dense, silky, metallic, silvery pubescence on the elytra and undersurface, and the testaceous or rufo-testaceous head and thorax should be safficient to identify it; the other [similar] species have black elytra. The groulld color of the elytra in some specimens has a reddish yellow cast, with very fine, silky pubescence
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
so. US (CA to e.TX, FL) & Mexico - Map , most records from TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena comata (LeConte 1858)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena comata. 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 comata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena comata
What is Mordellistena comata?
Mordellistena comata is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena comata?
dense, silky, metallic, silvery pubescence on the elytra and undersurface, and the testaceous or rufo-testaceous head and thorax should be safficient to identify it; the other [similar] species have black elytra. The groulld color of the elytra in some specimens has a reddish yellow cast, with very fine, silky pubescence
Where is Mordellistena comata found?
Range: so. US (CA to e.TX, FL) & Mexico - Map , most records from TX