Meligethes atratus

(Olivier, 1790)

Meligethes atratus is a pollen beetle in the Nitidulidae, distributed across Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China). The belongs to a of small beetles commonly associated with flowers, particularly those of Brassicaceae and other plant families. Like related pollen beetles, likely feed on pollen and floral tissues. The species was first described by Olivier in 1790.

Meligethes.atratus.-.calwer.14.02 by Emil Hochdanz
. Used under a Public domain license.

Meligethes-atratus-04-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Meligethes-atratus-01-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Meligethes atratus: /ˌmɛlɪˈɡiːθiːz əˈtraːtəs/

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

Images

Distribution

Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China). GBIF records indicate presence in Belgium, with some records marked as absent.

Diet

feed on pollen, consistent with the "pollen beetle" applied to the and .

Ecological Role

As a pollen-feeding , likely contributes to pollen consumption and potential incidental pollination in flowering plants.

Human Relevance

Member of a that includes agricultural pests such as Meligethes aeneus (pollen beetle), which damages oilseed rape crops. The agricultural significance of M. atratus specifically is not documented.

Similar Taxa

Meligethes aeneusClosely related and major agricultural pest of oilseed rape; distinguished by specific associations and geographic distribution patterns, though detailed morphological differences require examination.