Mordellistena liturata
This record describes Mordellistena liturata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Liljelbad, pp. 155-156 , comments on identification of this species: See the above reference, and comments on images, for details on identification. See details of ridges on metatibiae, metatarsi, here:
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 - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-July
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena liturata. 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 liturata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena liturata
What is Mordellistena liturata?
Mordellistena liturata is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena liturata?
Length: to apices of elytra, 2.5-3 mm; to tip of anal style, 3.5-4.5 mm
How do you identify Mordellistena liturata?
Liljelbad, pp. 155-156 , comments on identification of this species: See the above reference, and comments on images, for details on identification. See details of ridges on metatibiae, metatarsi, here:
Where is Mordellistena liturata found?
Range: e. US - Map
When is Mordellistena liturata active?
Mordellistena liturata: seasonal activity - May-July.