Malthinus occipitalis
LeConte, 1851
yellow-tipped soldier beetle
Species Guides
1Malthinus occipitalis is a soldier beetle in the Cantharidae, commonly known as the yellow-tipped soldier beetle. The was described by LeConte in 1851 and occurs in North America. It is one of three recognized within the , including the nominate subspecies M. o. occipitalis, M. o. atripennis, and M. o. woodruffi. Soldier beetles in this family are generally soft-bodied and frequent flowers and vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Malthinus occipitalis: //mælˈθaɪnəs ɒkˈsɪpɪtælɪs//
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Identification
Malthinus occipitalis can be distinguished from other soldier beetles by its yellow-tipped coloration, as indicated by its . The three show variation in coloration: M. o. atripennis has darkened or blackish wings, while M. o. woodruffi and the nominate subspecies differ in subtle morphological characters described by Wittmer (1981). Separation from other Malthinus requires examination of the occipital region and genitalia.
Distribution
North America. Specific records exist from Ontario and Québec in Canada. The occurs broadly across the continent but precise range boundaries are not well documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Malthinus speciesSimilar soft-bodied form and general appearance; require detailed examination of and genital structures for reliable identification
- Other CantharidaeSoldier beetles share general body plan with soft ; Malthinus is distinguished by specific antennal and pronotal characteristics