Variimorda villosa
This record describes Variimorda villosa (species). Recorded family: Mordellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A tumbling flower beetle has blackish elytra with very visible paler patches. They are sometimes known as pintail beetles, because of the elongated and pointed abdominal tip which aids them with tumbling movements to escape predators. Can be found on flowers such as members of the daisy family and on umbellifers. Local and mainly confined to the southern half of England.
Wikipedia reference for Variimorda villosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variimorda_villosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Mordellidae
- Genus
- Variimorda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can be found on flowers such as members of the daisy family and on umbellifers.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local and mainly confined to the southern half of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Variimorda villosa. 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 Variimorda villosa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Variimorda villosa
What is Variimorda villosa?
Variimorda villosa is a species in the family Mordellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Variimorda villosa found?
Habitat: Can be found on flowers such as members of the daisy family and on umbellifers.
When is Variimorda villosa active?
Variimorda villosa: seasonal activity - June to August..