Mulsantina quinquelineata
This record describes Mulsantina quinquelineata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotal pattern less variable than that of the elytra. (Chapin 1985) this is a pale form of the species: Det. J. B. Chapin, 1984 (by dissection) Species not included in Gordon's publication.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Mulsantina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mostly found in mountainous locations (Chapin 1985)
Geographic Range
AZ-NM-CO-UT / to c. Mex. (Chapin 1985)
Seasonal Activity
yr round (Chapin 1985)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mulsantina quinquelineata. 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 Mulsantina quinquelineata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulsantina quinquelineata
What is Mulsantina quinquelineata?
Mulsantina quinquelineata is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mulsantina quinquelineata?
3.9-4.8 mm (Chapin 1985)
How do you identify Mulsantina quinquelineata?
pronotal pattern less variable than that of the elytra. (Chapin 1985) this is a pale form of the species: Det. J. B. Chapin, 1984 (by dissection)
Where is Mulsantina quinquelineata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mostly found in mountainous locations (Chapin 1985) |
| Range | AZ-NM-CO-UT / to c. Mex. (Chapin 1985) |
When is Mulsantina quinquelineata active?
Mulsantina quinquelineata: seasonal activity - yr round (Chapin 1985).