Rhinoplatia mortivallicola
This record describes Rhinoplatia mortivallicola (species). Recorded family: Oedemeridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Bluish black beetle with reddish-orange head produced in a long, distinct snout. |
| Antennae | Antennae filiform, and eleven-segmented. |
| Thorax | Thorax, antennae, tarsi, and anterior coxae also colored reddish-orange. Middle and hind coxae, all femora and tibiae are blackish-orange. Aside from exterior characters, the two species can also be separated by the male genitalia. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Oedemeridae (False Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Oedemerinae
- Tribe
- Asclerini
- Genus
- Rhinoplatia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA (Death Valley region) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Type specimens collected near the end of March (1932).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhinoplatia mortivallicola Arnett 1947
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinoplatia mortivallicola. 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 Rhinoplatia mortivallicola (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplatia mortivallicola
What is Rhinoplatia mortivallicola?
Rhinoplatia mortivallicola is a species in the family Oedemeridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhinoplatia mortivallicola?
9.0-14.0 mm
How do you identify Rhinoplatia mortivallicola?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Bluish black beetle with reddish-orange head produced in a long, distinct snout. |
| Antennae | Antennae filiform, and eleven-segmented. |
| Thorax | Thorax, antennae, tarsi, and anterior coxae also colored reddish-orange. Middle and hind coxae, all femora and tibiae are blackish-orange. Aside from exterior characters, the two species can also be separated by the male genitalia. |
Where is Rhinoplatia mortivallicola found?
Range: CA (Death Valley region) - Map
When is Rhinoplatia mortivallicola active?
Rhinoplatia mortivallicola: seasonal activity - Type specimens collected near the end of March (1932)..