Malachiina
Soft-winged flower beetles
Genus Guides
3- Axinotarsus
- Malachius(soft-winged flower beetles)
- Microlipus
Malachiina is a subtribe of soft-winged flower beetles within the Melyridae. Members are small, often brightly colored beetles frequently found on flowers and vegetation. The subtribe contains numerous and distributed across multiple continents. They are distinguished within Malachiini by specific morphological characteristics of the male genitalia and other structural features.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Malachiina: /ˌmæləˈkaɪənə/
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Identification
Separation from other subtribes within Malachiini requires examination of male genitalic structures, including the shape and armature of the and associated . External characters alone are generally insufficient for definitive subtribal assignment. Members typically share the soft, flexible characteristic of Melyridae, often with metallic or contrasting color patterns.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Individual and within the subtribe show varying geographic ranges.
Similar Taxa
- AttalinaAnother subtribe within Malachiini; distinguished by differences in male genitalic and chaetotaxy patterns.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The subtribal classification of Malachiini has been revised multiple times based on phylogenetic studies. The current circumscription of Malachiina reflects molecular and morphological analyses distinguishing it from Attalina and other subtribes. Generic composition varies between taxonomic treatments.