Melasis

G.-A. Olivier, 1790

false click beetles

Species Guides

4

Melasis is a of false click beetles ( Eucnemidae) comprising fourteen distributed across North America and parts of Europe. It serves as the type genus for Melasinae and tribe Melasini. are active from late April through July in forested , while larvae develop in coniferous and hardwood substrates.

Melasis pectinicornis by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.Melasis rufipalpis by (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melasis: //mɛˈleɪ.sɪs//

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

Identification

in this are 4.0–13.0 mm long. Key diagnostic features include flat tibiae, absence of antennal grooves on the prothorax, and pectinate (comb-like) in male specimens.

Images

Habitat

Forested areas. Larvae develop in hardwood and feed on conifers such as firs.

Distribution

North America (including southwestern United States, Western Coast, southern Canada, and Eastern United States) and Europe (particularly Spain, with M. buprestoides widespread and M. fermini restricted to Spain). Denmark, Norway, and Sweden also have records.

Seasonality

active from late April through July.

Diet

Larvae feed on conifers, specifically firs.

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs in hardwood.

Sources and further reading