Atalantycha neglecta

(Fall, 1919)

Neglected Soldier Beetle

Atalantycha neglecta is a of soldier beetle in the Cantharidae. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Vermont). The species has been documented visiting apple flowers in pollination studies, where it was observed as a visitor. are active during spring and early summer. Like other soldier beetles, it likely has soft, flexible compared to many beetles.

Atalantycha neglecta by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Soldier Beetle - Atalantycha neglecta, Carderock Park, Carderock, Maryland by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Atalantycha neglecta (48415492472) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Atalantycha neglecta: /ˌætəˈlæntɪkə nɪˈɡlɛktə/

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

Images

Distribution

North America, including the United States and southern Canada. Specific records from Ontario, Quebec, and Vermont. The ' northern range extends to Ontario and Quebec.

Seasonality

Active during spring and early summer. Documented in field observations during April-May (City Nature Challenge 2023).

Behavior

Has been observed visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to pollination. This was documented in a 2021 study on apple pollination in Arkansas, where Atalantycha neglecta was photographed on apple flowers as part of nocturnal .

Ecological Role

Potential . Documented as a visitor to apple flowers, suggesting contribution to pollination services in agricultural and natural systems.

Similar Taxa

Atalantycha bilineataCongeneric also in Atalantycha; both are soldier beetles with similar general and flower-visiting . A. bilineata has been more frequently documented and has distinct elytral markings.

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'neglecta' refers to the being overlooked or neglected, likely in reference to its relatively inconspicuous nature or historical taxonomic treatment.

Pollination Research Context

In a 2021 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, Atalantycha neglecta was specifically noted among insects visiting apple flowers, highlighting that soldier beetles participate in nighttime pollination alongside and other insects.