ColeopteraMelandryidae – False Darkling Beetles

Symphora flavicollis

This record describes Symphora flavicollis (species). Recorded family: Melandryidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Symphora flavicollis - Symphora flavicollis
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Symphora flavicollis (Symphora flavicollis) is a species in the family Melandryidae, commonly known as false darkling beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Melandryinae, tribe Hypulini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Tenebrionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Symphora. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 2.8-3.5 mm. It is found in forests; on foliage & under bark. Active during Mar-Aug.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Tenebrionoidea
Family
Melandryidae (False Darkling Beetles)
Subfamily
Melandryinae
Tribe
Hypulini
Genus
Symphora

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

forests; on foliage & under bark

Geographic Range

e. NA to c. TX (NS-FL to MB-TX) - Map

Seasonal Activity

Mar-Aug ( 5 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: flavicollis = 'yellow-necked'

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Symphora flavicollis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Symphora flavicollis (2)

Symphora flavicollis - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Symphora flavicollis - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Symphora flavicollis

What is Symphora flavicollis?

Symphora flavicollis is a species in the family Melandryidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Symphora flavicollis?

2.8-3.5 mm

Where is Symphora flavicollis found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatforests; on foliage & under bark
Rangee. NA to c. TX (NS-FL to MB-TX) - Map
When is Symphora flavicollis active?

Symphora flavicollis: seasonal activity - Mar-Aug ( 5 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.