Tanaops coelestinus
This record describes Tanaops coelestinus (species). Recorded family: Melyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The color of the thorax is of no value in separating the closely allied T. mimus, T. coelestinus , and T. complex . These specimens all show a shining, denuded spot on each side of the prothorax, of variable size, near the posterior angles, which is obviously a characteristic of the species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Melyridae (Soft-winged Flower Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Malachiinae
- Tribe
- Malachiini
- Genus
- Tanaops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. Arizona and New Mexico / Mexico (Sonora)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tanaops coelestinus (Gorham 1886)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tanaops coelestinus. 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 Tanaops coelestinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanaops coelestinus
What is Tanaops coelestinus?
Tanaops coelestinus is a species in the family Melyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Tanaops coelestinus?
The color of the thorax is of no value in separating the closely allied T. mimus, T. coelestinus , and T. complex . These specimens all show a shining, denuded spot on each side of the prothorax, of variable size, near the posterior angles, which is obviously a characteristic of the species.
Where is Tanaops coelestinus found?
Range: s. Arizona and New Mexico / Mexico (Sonora)