Mordellistena yumae
This record describes Mordellistena yumae (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head and pronotum pallid, with dark blotches on vertex and posteriour disk; elytra and venter dark, covered with very sense, silvery pubescence.
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
AZ, CA, NV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: apparently associated with Atriplex
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mordellistena yumae Ray, 1946; type locality: Yuma / AZ
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellistena yumae. 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 yumae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellistena yumae
What is Mordellistena yumae?
Mordellistena yumae is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellistena yumae?
4 - 5.5 mm
How do you identify Mordellistena yumae?
head and pronotum pallid, with dark blotches on vertex and posteriour disk; elytra and venter dark, covered with very sense, silvery pubescence.
Where is Mordellistena yumae found?
Range: AZ, CA, NV
What does Mordellistena yumae eat?
The diet of the Mordellistena yumae includes apparently associated with Atriplex.