Mordellistena husseyi
This record describes Mordellistena husseyi (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable in colour; hindleg ridge pattern: tibia 2 - 3 (middle one very long) 1st tarsite 3 - 5 2nd tarsite 2 2nd ridge on the tibia cutting across the entire face, and the very long anal style.
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. US - MI ; IL, TE (Ray, 1946); TX (BG data) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena husseyi Liljeblad, 1945
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena husseyi. 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 husseyi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena husseyi
What is Mordellistena husseyi?
Mordellistena husseyi is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena husseyi?
5-7 mm (one of the larger spp.)
Where is Mordellistena husseyi found?
Range: e. US - MI ; IL, TE (Ray, 1946); TX (BG data) - Map