Mordellistena syntaenia
This record describes Mordellistena syntaenia (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
close to M. convicta , but antennal segments 1 - 4, and anteriour legs partly, pale; Elytral hair pattern condensed into two stripes, fused in front, and apically. Assumed type of M. convicta belongs here, and does not fully match LeConte´s diagnosis (Liljeblad, 1945); maybe it is one, variable species.
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
eastern
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena syntaenia Liljeblad, 1921
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena syntaenia. 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 syntaenia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena syntaenia
What is Mordellistena syntaenia?
Mordellistena syntaenia is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena syntaenia?
close to M. convicta , but antennal segments 1 - 4, and anteriour legs partly, pale; Elytral hair pattern condensed into two stripes, fused in front, and apically.
Where is Mordellistena syntaenia found?
Range: eastern