Attalus frosti

Attalus frosti is a of soft-winged flower beetle in the Melyridae. The species is known from very few specimens in Missouri, with records from Lichen Glade Natural Area in St. Clair County and a single specimen collected in a in central Missouri. It is associated with post oak (Quercus stellata) in dry sandstone woodland . The species appears to be rare and poorly known, with no records since the original collections.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Attalus frosti: /ˈætələs ˈfrɒsti/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Attalus by specific morphological characters; however, detailed diagnostic features are not documented in available sources. As a member of Malachiinae, likely possesses the 's characteristic soft, flexible and pronotum.

Habitat

Dry sandstone woodlands and glade edges dominated by post oak (Quercus stellata). The type locality is Lichen Glade Natural Area, a sandstone glade surrounded by post oak/blackjack oak forest.

Distribution

Known only from Missouri, USA. Documented from Lichen Glade Natural Area in St. Clair County and one additional specimen from central Missouri.

Seasonality

have been collected in late May, suggesting spring activity period.

Host Associations

  • Quercus stellata - associated with collected by beating from post oak at woodland edge

Similar Taxa

  • Other Attalus species-level similarity in general habitus; specific distinguishing characters for A. frosti not documented
  • Other MalachiinaeShared characteristics of soft, flexible body and

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Sources and further reading