Prothalpia undata
This record describes Prothalpia undata (species). Recorded family: Melandryidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Newfoundland and Québec to North Carolina, west to Wisconsin
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Melandryidae (False Darkling Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melandryinae
- Tribe
- Melandryini
- Genus
- Prothalpia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on fungi
Geographic Range
e. NA (NF-NC to ON-WI)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Prothalpia undata LeConte 1862
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prothalpia undata. 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 Prothalpia undata (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Prothalpia undata
What is Prothalpia undata?
Prothalpia undata is a species in the family Melandryidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Prothalpia undata?
6.5 mm
How do you identify Prothalpia undata?
Newfoundland and Québec to North Carolina, west to Wisconsin
Where is Prothalpia undata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on fungi |
| Range | e. NA (NF-NC to ON-WI) |