''Dasytes plumbea'' is a
species
A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...
of
beetle
Beetles are insects that form the Taxonomic rank, order Coleoptera (), in the superorder Holometabola. Their front pair of wings are hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects. The Coleoptera, with about 40 ...
that is native to the
Paleartic, but has also been introduced to
North America
North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...
.
[
]
The species name is frequently misspelled as "''plumbeus''" in the literature.
[Gimmel, M.L. & Mayor, A.J. 2024. Taxonomic Overview of World Dasytinae (Coleoptera: Melyridae), with Emphasis on the North American Fauna of the Subfamily and Two Newly Established Tribes. '']The Coleopterists Bulletin
''The'' is a grammatical article in English, denoting nouns that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The ...
'' 78(4): 499–536. doi, 10.1649/0010-065X-78.4.499
Description
''Dasytes plumbea'' is a small, dark beetle, highly polished with a greenish or bluish reflection, approximately 4–5 mm long. It is a pollen and nectar feeder, often transporting pollen to other flowers in the process.
Range
It is common throughout central, northern, and western Europe;
it has also been found in North America, mainly around
Greater Vancouver
Greater Vancouver, also known as Metro Vancouver, is the metropolitan area with its major urban centre being the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The term ''Greater Vancouver'' describes an area that is roughly coterminous with the r ...
.
Habitat
It is usually found on flowers and shrubs along embankments and the edges of forests; adults are also found on decomposing wood, while larvae are predators there.
References
Beetles of Europe
Beetles described in 1776
Melyridae
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