Mordellistena incommunis
This record describes Mordellistena incommunis (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
hind leg ridges 3,4,3. Head, Pronotum, and Elytra black with yellow or silver along suture, and a lateral vitta from approx humerus to slightly more than middle. Antenna and legs black.
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
From Liljeblad's description, appears rather widespread: Alberta, and across northern US to east coast, and south to Maryland
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena incommunis. 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 incommunis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena incommunis
What is Mordellistena incommunis?
Mordellistena incommunis is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena incommunis?
hind leg ridges 3,4,3. Head, Pronotum, and Elytra black with yellow or silver along suture, and a lateral vitta from approx humerus to slightly more than middle. Antenna and legs black.
Where is Mordellistena incommunis found?
Range: From Liljeblad's description, appears rather widespread: Alberta, and across northern US to east coast, and south to Maryland