Collops

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Cleroidea
Family: Melyridae
Subfamily: Malachiinae
Tribe: Malachiini
Subtribe: Apalochrina
Genus: Collops

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Collops: /ˈkɒl.ɒps/

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

Images

Collops P1330981a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Red Cross Beetle imported from iNaturalist photo 56834652 on 9 November 2023 by (c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Collops balteatus P1250083a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Collops balteatus P1290215a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Collops bipunctatus P1100362a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Collops bipunctatus P1100363a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

The genus Collops is part of the family Melyridae, consisting of small beetles found predominantly across North America with several species yet to be described. Specifically recognized for their unique antenna structure, these beetles contribute to the ecological systems in which they are found but little is known about their specific diets and life cycles.

Physical Characteristics

4‒7 mm in size; Antennae appear 10-segmented, with the second antennomere being very small and hidden; males often have modified basal antennomeres.

Identification Tips

Look for small, 4-7 mm long beetles with a distinctive 10-segmented antennae.

Habitat

Across North America from Canada to Mexico; several species found in southern and western USA.

Distribution

67 species in North America, 3 species in South America; several undescribed species in the southwestern USA and 16 species noted in California.