Mordellochroa abdominalis
This record describes Mordellochroa abdominalis (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 mm. This tumbling flower beetle has blackish grey elytra and a red thorax. They are sometimes known as pintail beetles, because of the elongated and pointed abdominal tip which aids them with tumbling movements to escape predators. To be seen on umbellifers such as Cow Parsley and Hogweed, especially in shady, well wooded areas. Widespread in much of England and fairly frequent in some areas.
Wikipedia reference for Mordellochroa abdominalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordellochroa_abdominalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Mordellidae
- Genus
- Mordellochroa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
To be seen on umbellifers such as Cow Parsley and Hogweed, especially in shady, well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in much of England and fairly frequent in some areas.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mordellochroa abdominalis. 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 Mordellochroa abdominalis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mordellochroa abdominalis
What is Mordellochroa abdominalis?
Mordellochroa abdominalis is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mordellochroa abdominalis?
6 mm. This tumbling flower beetle has blackish grey elytra and a red thorax. They are sometimes known as pintail beetles, because of the elongated and pointed abdominal tip which aids them with tumbling movements to escape predators.
Where is Mordellochroa abdominalis found?
Habitat: To be seen on umbellifers such as Cow Parsley and Hogweed, especially in shady, well wooded areas.
When is Mordellochroa abdominalis active?
Mordellochroa abdominalis: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..