Mordellistena masoni
This record describes Mordellistena masoni (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Posterior tibiae with four parallel, oblique ridges, subapical not included; first segment of posterior tarsi with four, second with two ridges. Type Locality: Hemlock Falls, NJ
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
Habitat
broad coastal plains ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e.TX-FL-MA - Map
Seasonal Activity
1 June record for c. TX
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena masoni. 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 masoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena masoni
What is Mordellistena masoni?
Mordellistena masoni is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena masoni?
3.75-4 mm to apices of elytra, 4.75-5 mm to tip of anal style
How do you identify Mordellistena masoni?
Posterior tibiae with four parallel, oblique ridges, subapical not included; first segment of posterior tarsi with four, second with two ridges.
Where is Mordellistena masoni found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | broad coastal plains ( 3 ) |
| Range | e.TX-FL-MA - Map |
When is Mordellistena masoni active?
Mordellistena masoni: seasonal activity - 1 June record for c. TX.