Mordellistena convicta
This record describes Mordellistena convicta (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 NA (NS-AL to SK-NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia , Calico Aster Symphyotrichum lateriflorum or Aster vimineus , Goldenrod Solidago in galls of Eurosta solidaginis ; Rough Cocklebur Xanthium strumarium ( 3 )
Life History
The larva may harm the fly Eurosta that makes the goldenrod ( Solidago ) galls when feeding on gall plant fibers ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena convicta LeConte 1862
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena convicta. 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 convicta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , MJ Hatfield , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena convicta
How big is Mordellistena convicta?
Length to apices of elytra 2.5-3 mm, to tip of anal style 3-3.75 mm
Where is Mordellistena convicta found?
Range: e NA (NS-AL to SK-NM)
What does Mordellistena convicta eat?
The diet of the Mordellistena convicta includes Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia , Calico Aster Symphyotrichum lateriflorum or Aster vimineus , Goldenrod Solidago in galls of Eurosta solidaginis ; Rough Cocklebur Xanthium strumarium ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Mordellistena convicta?
The larva may harm the fly Eurosta that makes the goldenrod ( Solidago ) galls when feeding on gall plant fibers ( 3 )