Mycetochara humeralis
This record describes Mycetochara humeralis (species). Recorded family: Tenebrionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Tenebrionidae
- Genus
- Mycetochara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with woodland and sometimes recorded under bark.
Seasonal Activity
Summer is the time that this species is most likely to be encountered.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is a scarce beetle with a national status of Nationally Scarce A and being most frequent in south-eastern England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mycetochara humeralis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mycetochara humeralis
How big is Mycetochara humeralis?
about 6 mm. A distinctively marked black beetle with orange shoulder patches and appendages.
Where is Mycetochara humeralis found?
Habitat: Associated with woodland and sometimes recorded under bark.
When is Mycetochara humeralis active?
Mycetochara humeralis: seasonal activity - Summer is the time that this species is most likely to be encountered..