Melyridae

Leach, 1815

Soft-winged Flower Beetles, Soft-wing Flower Beetles

is a of in the superfamily , containing over 100 worldwide with approximately 520 in 48 genera in North America. Members are commonly found on flowers, with most and being . The family includes three recognized : Dasytinae, Malachiinae, and Melyrinae. Some species, notably in the genus Choresine, have been found to contain potent batrachotoxins, potentially serving as a dietary source for toxic birds and poison-dart frogs.

Collops granellus by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Attalus nigripes by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Dasytes by (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melyridae: //məˈlɪrɪˌdeɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Most are elongate-oval, soft-bodied 10 mm or less in length. Many exhibit bright color patterns in black and , , or red. Members of the Malachiinae possess distinctive orange structures along the sides of the that may be everted and saclike or withdrawn and inconspicuous. Some have the two greatly enlarged.

Images

Habitat

Common on flowers in diverse environments; largest diversity occurs in dry temperate regions.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with over 100 ; approximately 520 in 48 genera in North America, 16 genera in Europe.

Diet

Most and are .

Life Cycle

of at least some bear thoracic . Larval varies among ; Malachiinae larvae at hatch exhibit advanced development of mouthparts and appendages.

Human Relevance

Some have minor agricultural significance. Astylus atromaculatus (spotted maize ) occurs in tremendous numbers on maize and soybean in South America, though are of little economic importance; occasionally attack newly planted corn, more commonly in dry years. Four New Guinean species of Choresine have been found to contain batrachotoxins, which may account for in birds that consume them.

Similar Taxa

CleridaeBoth in superfamily ; distinguished by softer bodies, different antennal structure, and abdominal defensive structures in Malachiinae
MeloidaeSimilar soft-bodied appearance and flower-visiting habits; distinguished by smaller size (typically under 10 mm), different body shape, and lack of -based chemical defense
CantharidaeSimilar soft bodies and flower association; distinguished by antennal structure and presence of abdominal defensive organs in Malachiinae