Pollen Beetle
Meligethes aeneus
This record describes Meligethes aeneus (species). Recorded family: Nitidulidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small black beetle with a metallic brassy or blue-green sheen. There are several very similar pollen beetles but Meligethes aeneus is the most common, particularly early in the year. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. On most flowers especially yellow ones and particularly common on fields of Oil Seed Rape. They are attracted to yellow flowers and indeed most things yellow, including clothing and tennis balls. They occur in large numbers, feeding mainly on pollen but sometimes gnawing on the flower parts. They are an important pollinator though can be a pest of Oil Seed Rape. The larvae feed on the sexual parts of flowers of plants in the Cabbage family, causing the flower to abort. Very common and often abundant particularly in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Nitidulidae
- Genus
- Meligethes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On most flowers especially yellow ones and particularly common on fields of Oil Seed Rape.
Seasonal Activity
From spring to late autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They are attracted to yellow flowers and indeed most things yellow, including clothing and tennis balls. They occur in large numbers, feeding mainly on pollen but sometimes gnawing on the flower parts. They are an important pollinator though can be a pest of Oil Seed Rape. The larvae feed on the sexual parts of flowers of plants in the Cabbage family, causing the flower to abort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common and often abundant particularly in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Meligethes aeneus. 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 Pollen Beetle (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pollen Beetle
What is Pollen Beetle?
Pollen Beetle (Meligethes aeneus) is a species in the family Nitidulidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Pollen Beetle found?
Habitat: On most flowers especially yellow ones and particularly common on fields of Oil Seed Rape.
When is Pollen Beetle active?
Pollen Beetle: seasonal activity - From spring to late autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pollen Beetle?
They are attracted to yellow flowers and indeed most things yellow, including clothing and tennis balls. They occur in large numbers, feeding mainly on pollen but sometimes gnawing on the flower parts. They are an important pollinator though can be a pest of Oil Seed Rape. The larvae feed on the sexual parts of flowers of plants in the Cabbage family, causing the flower to abort.