Melanophila
Melanophila
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Buprestoidea
- Family: Buprestidae
- Subfamily: Buprestinae
- Tribe: Melanophilini
- Genus: Melanophila
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanophila: /mɛˌlænoʊˈfaɪlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Melanophila is a genus of buprestid beetles known as fire beetles, highly sensitive to infrared radiation, which they use to locate wildfires for mating and egg-laying in charred wood.
Physical Characteristics
Melanophila beetles are characterized by their metallic sheen and varying colors ranging from black to brown, often with distinctive markings depending on the species.
Identification Tips
Identifying Melanophila species can involve examining their body shape, coloration, and specific markings. Some species have notable differences in antennae length and body size.
Habitat
Melanophila species are typically found in areas that have experienced recent wildfires, as they are attracted to freshly burned wood where they seek to lay their eggs.
Distribution
This genus is holarctic and Oriental; species such as M. acuminata are widespread in the northern regions, while others like M. occidentalis are found along the Pacific coast, and M. notata is common in southern areas.
Diet
The larval stage feeds on the cambium and wood of burned trees, while adults may feed on plant exudates or nectar.
Life Cycle
Melanophila beetles have a complex life cycle that begins with adults seeking out fires to lay eggs in freshly burned wood. The larvae then develop within the wood.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs in the vicinity of wildfires, where females lay eggs in the charred wood that provides a suitable environment for larval development.
Predators
Natural predators include various species of birds and other insects that feed on beetles and their larvae.
Ecosystem Role
These beetles play a key role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients in burned wood and assisting in the breakdown of dead plant material.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Hand collecting near burned areas
- Using pheromone traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Pinning
- Dry freezing for a period to kill pests
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that all fire beetles are harmful, but they play an important ecological role in forest ecosystems following wildfires.
Tags
- Melanophila
- fire beetles
- beetles
- buprestid
- insects
- Holarctic
- ecosystem role