Mordellistena trifasciata
This record describes Mordellistena trifasciata (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. T. R. Moyer, 2009 Re: Mordellistena sexnotata Dury in central Texas. M. sexnotata Dury was described in 1902 from a single specimen coll. in KY. Liljeblad examined Dury's type and found only one other spmn, from NM, that he determined as matching Dury's type. Somewhat surprisingly, John Jackman determined 35 of the 106 mordellid spmns collected in 1993-94 in w. Travis Co., TX as M. sexnotata Dury and none as the widely dist. Mordellistena trifasciata (Say). However, for a different survey published in 1995, Jackman determined 21 mordellid spmns (out of 754) coll. in c. Travis Co. as M. trifasciata (Say) and none as M. sexnotata Dury! Note that 32 of the 35 spmns determined as sexnotata were collected on TX red oak , a locally common species present at both Travis County survey sites. Similarly, Riley's ongoing intensive survey of two sites in nearby College Station only reports M. trifasciata (Say). Jackman would have determined most of the College Station mordellids before his death there in 2008. In conclusion, I think Jackman's early determination of c. TX spmns as M. sexnotata Dury was possibly in error.
Identification notes
Det. T. R. Moyer, 2009
Wikipedia reference for Mordellistena trifasciata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordellistena_trifasciata.
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.NA (TX-GA-ME-IA) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly June-Aug ,(BG data) 21 spmns coll. May-July, Sept in c. TX
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena trifasciata. 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 trifasciata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , John Schneider , Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena trifasciata
What is Mordellistena trifasciata?
Mordellistena trifasciata is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mordellistena trifasciata?
Det. T. R. Moyer, 2009
Where is Mordellistena trifasciata found?
Range: e.NA (TX-GA-ME-IA) - Map
When is Mordellistena trifasciata active?
Mordellistena trifasciata: seasonal activity - mostly June-Aug ,(BG data) 21 spmns coll. May-July, Sept in c. TX.