Mordellistena fuscipennis
This record describes Mordellistena fuscipennis (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Liljeblad's ref., this is Mordellistena fuscipennis (Melsheimer) This species easily recognized by more or less ferruguinous head and thorax, the nearly black or dark brown elytra having the suture, the lateral margin and the humeral or subhumeral spot with silky golden yellow pubescence. And Mordellidae IDs are all about the number of ridges on the hind tibia and tarsi. The first tarsi should have 3, second with 2, and third with one (rudiments and subapicals not counted). The type (which Libjeblad examined) should be in the MCZ, but it doesn't appear like they've gotten around to imaging it yet. (Comment by Tim R. Moyer)
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 - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena fuscipennis (Melsheimer, 1846)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena fuscipennis. 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 fuscipennis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena fuscipennis
What is Mordellistena fuscipennis?
Mordellistena fuscipennis is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena fuscipennis?
From Liljeblad's ref., this is Mordellistena fuscipennis (Melsheimer) This species easily recognized by more or less ferruguinous head and thorax, the nearly black or dark brown elytra having the suture, the lateral margin and the humeral or subhumeral spot with silky golden yellow pubescence. And Mordellidae IDs are all about the number of ridges on the hind tibia and tarsi. The first tarsi should have 3, second with 2, and third with one (rudiments and subapicals not counted). The type (which Libjeblad examined) should be in the MCZ, but it doesn't appear like they've gotten around to imaging it yet. (Comment by Tim R. Moyer)
Where is Mordellistena fuscipennis found?
Range: e. NA - Map