Melanophila notata
(Laporte & Gory, 1837)
Melanophila notata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. The Melanophila is notable for that are attracted to smoke and heat from forest fires, though specific fire-seeking has not been documented for M. notata. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanophila notata: /mɛˌlænoʊˈfaɪlə nəʊˈteɪtə/
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Identification
As a member of the Melanophila, M. notata likely shares the flattened body form typical of Buprestidae. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from such as M. consputa and M. acuminata are not documented in available sources. The was described in 1837 by Laporte and Gory.
Distribution
Caribbean Sea region, Central America, and North America. GBIF records confirm presence in Caribbean, Middle America, and North America.
Similar Taxa
- Melanophila consputaAnother North American Melanophila known for fire-seeking and attraction to smoke; often found in fire-scarred pines
- Melanophila acuminataNorth American also documented as attracted to smoke and heat from fires, sometimes occurring in large numbers at burning sites
More Details
Genus-level fire association
The Melanophila is famous for that detect infrared radiation from fires using specialized heat-sensing organs on the . M. consputa and M. acuminata have been documented swarming to forest fires, smelters, and even cigarette smoke in large numbers. Whether M. notata shares this extreme fire-seeking is unknown.