Melyridae
Guides
Ablechrus granularis
Ablechrus granularis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Ablechrus belongs to the subfamily Malachiinae, a group characterized by soft, flexible elytra. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records on iNaturalist as of the source date. The species epithet 'granularis' suggests a granular or roughened surface texture.
Adelestini
Adelestini is a tribe of soft-winged flower beetles (family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae). Members are small, elongate beetles with soft elytra characteristic of the family. The tribe was established to accommodate genera with distinctive morphological features separating them from other malachiine tribes, particularly in antennal structure and male genitalia. Species occur primarily in the Old World, with greatest diversity in the Palaearctic and Oriental regions.
Anthocomus equestris
Eurasian Red-and-black Melyrid
Anthocomus equestris is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, characterized by its red-and-black coloration. The species is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to the eastern United States, where it has established populations. It belongs to the subgenus Celidus within the genus Anthocomus.
Anthocomus pristinus
Anthocomus pristinus is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a genus of small, often brightly colored beetles commonly known as malachiid beetles or soft-winged flower beetles. The species is part of the subfamily Malachiinae, which is characterized by flexible elytra and frequent association with flowers. Specific ecological details for A. pristinus remain poorly documented.
Asydates grandiceps
Asydates grandiceps is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Asydates is part of a diverse group of beetles commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles, characterized by their soft elytra and frequent association with flowers. Limited specific information is available for this particular species.
Asydates vandykei
Asydates vandykei is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Asydates is classified within the diverse beetle family Melyridae, which is characterized by soft elytra and often metallic coloration. No specific ecological or behavioral details have been documented for this particular species.
Attalus
Attalus sp-one-ariz is an undescribed or provisionally named species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, recorded from Arizona. Members of the genus Attalus are small, often brightly colored beetles associated with flowers and vegetation. This species appears to represent a distinct taxon within the diverse southwestern North American Attalus fauna.
Attalus cinctus
Attalus cinctus is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. The 'cf.' designation indicates a specimen resembling A. cinctus but not conclusively identified. Members of this genus are often found in association with flowers and vegetation.
Attalus frosti
Attalus frosti is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The species is known from very few specimens in Missouri, with records from Lichen Glade Natural Area in St. Clair County and a single specimen collected in a malaise trap in central Missouri. It is associated with post oak (Quercus stellata) in dry sandstone woodland habitats. The species appears to be rare and poorly known, with no records since the original collections.
Attalus humeralis
Attalus humeralis is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The species epithet "humeralis" refers to the shoulder region of the elytra, suggesting distinctive markings or characteristics on the humeral angles. Like other members of the genus Attalus, it belongs to the subfamily Malachiinae, a group commonly known as malachite beetles or soft-winged flower beetles. The genus Attalus is diverse and widespread, with species found across multiple continents.
Attalus nigripes
Attalus nigripes is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The species epithet 'nigripes' refers to its black legs. It belongs to a genus of small, often brightly colored beetles commonly found on flowers. Specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Attalus oregonensis
Attalus oregonensis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae) in the order Coleoptera. The species epithet suggests an association with Oregon, though detailed geographic and ecological information is sparse. The genus Attalus comprises numerous species, many of which are found in western North America. Like other melyrids, members of this genus are typically associated with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen, nectar, and small arthropods.
Attalus rufiventris
Red-sutured Attalus
Attalus rufiventris is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, commonly known as the Red-sutured Attalus. The species belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles frequently found on flowers. As a member of Melyridae, it possesses the characteristic soft elytra and flexible body typical of the family. The specific epithet rufiventris refers to the reddish coloration of the ventral surface.
Attalus sp-one-calif
Attalus sp-one-calif is an undescribed or provisionally named species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, known from California. It belongs to the large genus Attalus, which comprises numerous small, often brightly colored beetles associated with flowers and vegetation. The 'sp-one-calif' designation indicates a morphospecies or working name used in collections or regional surveys pending formal description. Like other Attalus species, it is likely a pollen feeder as an adult.
Attalus sp-one-florida
Attalus sp-one-florida is an undescribed species within the genus Attalus, a group of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae (checkered beetles). The informal designation "sp-one-florida" indicates this taxon is known from Florida and has been recognized as a distinct species pending formal description. Members of Attalus are generally small, often brightly colored beetles associated with flowers and vegetation. This species appears to represent a Florida-endemic or regionally restricted population.
Axinotarsus
Axinotarsus is a genus of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1854 and contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in Europe. Members of this genus are small, typically elongate beetles with the characteristic flexible elytra typical of malachiine beetles.
Axinotarsus pulicarius
soft-winged flower beetle
A small soft-winged flower beetle (Melyridae) measuring 2.75–3.75 mm, distinguished by a reddish-yellow pronotum with a broad black median band contrasting with dark grey to nearly black head and elytra. Native to Europe with broad distribution excluding northern latitudes and southern Mediterranean regions; introduced to North America where established in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes region. Known for elaborate courtship involving excitatory gland displays and mutual frontal tapping between sexes.
Byturosomus
Byturosomus is a genus of soft-bodied plant beetles (family Melyridae) established by Motschoulsky in 1859. The genus is currently considered doubtful in taxonomic status, with no confirmed observations or species-level records in major biodiversity databases. Its placement within Melyridae suggests affinity with other soft-bodied beetles, but the genus lacks modern taxonomic revision.
Collops
soft-winged flower beetles
Collops is a genus of soft-winged flower beetles in the family Melyridae, containing at least 20 described species. These beetles are recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, where they feed on pest insects including aphids and plant bug eggs. The genus has been studied extensively for its role in biological control, particularly in cotton and alfalfa systems in the southwestern United States. Collops beetles are frequently found on flowering plants where they hunt prey and may also utilize extrafloral nectaries.
Collops balteatus
Red Cross Beetle
Collops balteatus, commonly known as the red cross beetle, is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It is found in the south-central United States and Mexico. The species belongs to a family whose adults are frequently observed on flowers, where they feed on pollen and small insects.
Collops bipunctatus
Two-Spotted Melyrid
Collops bipunctatus, commonly known as the two-spotted melyrid, is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It is found mainly in North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species is one of approximately 1,000 species in the family Melyridae, which are characterized by soft, flexible elytra.
Collops cribrosus
Collops beetle
Collops cribrosus is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1852. The species belongs to the genus Collops, which comprises predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants where they hunt small arthropod prey. Like other members of its genus, C. cribrosus is recognized as a beneficial insect in agricultural contexts, serving as a natural enemy of pest insects. The species has been documented in western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia.
Collops crusoe
Collops crusoe is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles frequently found on flowers where they feed on other small insects. Like other members of this genus, C. crusoe likely plays a role as a beneficial predator in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, indicating it may be uncommon, locally distributed, or underreported.
Collops dux
Collops dux is a species of soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae). Members of the genus Collops are predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants, where they feed on small arthropods and utilize extrafloral nectaries for hydration and nutrients. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published biological or ecological data available.
Collops flavicinctus
Collops flavicinctus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. Members of the genus Collops are recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species is documented from the southwestern United States with iNaturalist records from Utah. Like other Collops species, it likely contributes to biological control of pest insects through predation on eggs and small arthropods.
Collops grandis
Collops grandis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops belongs to the subfamily Malachiinae, a group commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles or malachiid beetles. These beetles are typically found in association with flowers and vegetation, though specific biological details for C. grandis remain limited in available literature.
Collops granellus
Collops granellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Like other members of the genus Collops, it is a predatory beetle associated with flowering plants, where it feeds on small insects and other arthropods. The genus is well-known in agricultural contexts as a beneficial predator in cotton and other crop systems.
Collops hirtellus
Hairy Soft-winged Flower Beetle
Collops hirtellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It is one of several Collops species recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species has been documented in western Canada and is part of a genus known for predatory feeding habits on pest insects.
Collops insulatus
Collops insulatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on small insects and other arthropods. Like other members of the genus, C. insulatus likely serves as a beneficial insect in agricultural and natural ecosystems by helping control pest populations. The species epithet "insulatus" (meaning "island" in Latin) may refer to an island-like distribution pattern or type locality, though specific etymological details are not documented in available sources.
Collops limbellus
collops beetle, soft-winged flower beetle
Collops limbellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles frequently encountered on flowers, where they feed on smaller arthropods. The species is documented from western North America, with observations spanning arid and semi-arid regions. Like other members of the genus Collops, it likely plays a role as a generalist predator in agricultural and natural systems.
Collops marginicollis
Collops marginicollis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles frequently associated with flowering plants, where they hunt small arthropods. Adults are typically found on vegetation during the growing season. Like other melyrids, they possess soft, flexible elytra that distinguish them from most beetles.
Collops necopinus
Collops necopinus is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Like other members of the genus Collops, it is a predatory beetle that feeds on small arthropods. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, and is associated with flowering plants where it hunts prey. Collops beetles are recognized as beneficial natural enemies in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production.
Collops nigriceps
Eastern Coastal Collops
Collops nigriceps is a soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae) with a documented preference for flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in the southwestern United States. The species has been collected in northeastern New Mexico and has been observed in association with other flower-visiting beetles including cerambycids and cantharids. As a member of the genus Collops, it likely functions as a generalist predator in flower-based arthropod communities.
Collops nigritus
Collops nigritus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers where they feed on other small insects. Members of this genus are recognized as important natural enemies in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and other crops, where they contribute to biological control of pest populations. Collops nigritus specifically has been documented as occurring in the southwestern United States and is associated with flowering plants in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Collops parvus
Collops parvus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles frequently found on flowers, where they feed on other insects. C. parvus is one of numerous small, often brightly colored species in this genus that serve as important natural enemies of pest insects in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Collops pulchellus
Collops pulchellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Records indicate it has been collected on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma and New Mexico. The species appears to be associated with late-season flowering of its host plants, with observations in September and October. Like other members of the genus Collops, adults are likely predatory on small insects visiting the same flowers.
Collops quadriguttatus
Collops quadriguttatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Members of the genus Collops are frequently encountered on flowers where they feed on pollen and small arthropods. The specific epithet "quadriguttatus" (meaning "four-spotted") likely refers to a characteristic spotted color pattern on the elytra. Soft-winged flower beetles are generally small, active beetles with soft elytra and are important components of flower-visiting insect communities.
Collops quadrimaculatus
four-spotted collops
Collops quadrimaculatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, commonly known as the four-spotted collops. It is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. The species occurs across Central and North America, with documented populations in Canada (Ontario, Québec), the United States, and Mexico. Adults are active during the growing season and are frequently recorded in field observations.
Collops reflexus
Collops reflexus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Like other members of the genus Collops, it is a predatory beetle found in association with flowering plants. The genus is recognized for its ecological role as a predator of pest insects in agricultural systems, including cotton. Collops reflexus has been documented in field observations on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in northeastern New Mexico, where it occurs alongside other flower-visiting beetles.
Collops subtropicus
Collops subtropicus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises small, predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on pollen and prey on other small insects. Members of this genus are recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and other crops.
Collops tibialis
Collops tibialis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to the genus Collops, a group of predatory beetles commonly found in North American habitats. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Collops versatilis
Collops versatilis is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, first described by Fall in 1912. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on other insects. C. versatilis has been documented from British Columbia, Canada, with 75 iNaturalist observations recorded. Like other members of the genus, it likely serves as a beneficial predator in agricultural and natural ecosystems, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Collops vicarius
Collops vicarius is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on other insects. C. vicarius is part of a group of beneficial predatory insects utilized in biological control programs in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production. Species in this genus are recognized as important natural enemies of pest insects.
Cradytes serricollis
Cradytes serricollis is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. It belongs to a small genus of beetles distributed in western North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive serrated pronotum, as indicated by its specific epithet. It is rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Dasytastes
Dasytastes is a genus of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae, first described by Casey in 1895. The genus is poorly documented and its taxonomic status is currently marked as doubtful. Only limited information exists regarding its species composition and biology. Records in biodiversity databases suggest sparse observation records, with few documented occurrences.
Dasytes plumbeus
Dasytes plumbeus is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Melyridae, native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America. Adults are small, metallic gray to lead-colored beetles with soft elytra characteristic of the family. The species is frequently observed and well-documented, with over 3,000 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of predatory or pollen-feeding beetles commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles.
Ebaeina
Ebaeina is a subtribe of soft-bodied plant beetles within the family Melyridae (order Coleoptera). Members of this subtribe are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra and generally small to medium body size. The subtribe is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in western North America. Ebaeina beetles are often found in association with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen and small arthropods.
Enallonyx
Enallonyx is a genus of soft-winged flower beetles (family Melyridae) described by Wolcott in 1944. The genus is poorly documented, with minimal available information regarding its constituent species, biology, or ecology. Its taxonomic status is flagged as doubtful in some databases, suggesting potential issues with its validity or circumscription. The genus belongs to a family characterized by soft, flexible elytra and frequent association with flowers.
Enallonyx sculptilis
Enallonyx sculptilis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Enallonyx is a small group within this diverse family of predatory and pollen-feeding beetles. As with many melyrid species, detailed biological information for this particular species appears to be limited in the available literature.
Endeodes
soft-winged flower beetles
Endeodes is a genus of soft-winged flower beetles in the family Melyridae, containing approximately six described species. Members of this genus are flightless beetles that have been documented visiting flowers, including California golden poppy, where they acquire pollen. The genus was established by LeConte in 1859 and is distributed in North America.