Mordellistena divisa
This record describes Mordellistena divisa (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
reddish brown (or yellow-brown) head with apically reddish brown pronotum sharply delineated from black/green basal coloration (amount may vary, with females being almost all dark). Black elytra with yellow brown or silvery pubescence. Ridges stated as 3,4,2, with the tibia ridges being rather short, parallel, and oblique.
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
east and central US (at least) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena divisa Leconte 1859
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena divisa. 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 divisa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena divisa
What is Mordellistena divisa?
Mordellistena divisa is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena divisa?
2.7-3.7mm (not counting anal style)
How do you identify Mordellistena divisa?
reddish brown (or yellow-brown) head with apically reddish brown pronotum sharply delineated from black/green basal coloration (amount may vary, with females being almost all dark). Black elytra with yellow brown or silvery pubescence. Ridges stated as 3,4,2, with the tibia ridges being rather short, parallel, and oblique.
Where is Mordellistena divisa found?
Range: east and central US (at least) - Map