The largest genus in the family is Mordellistena which are generally smaller and seldom as common. They may be patterned or plain and come in a variety of colors from black, yellow, brown and reddish. Larvae of Mordella species are recorded from dead and decaying logs. Larvae of Mordellistena are primarily stem borers in pithy stems of plants especially composites and grasses. There is apparently one generation per year.
Adults are good fliers and are captured in flight intercept traps.
They are often found on umbelliferous flowers and composites and can be abundant in some circumstnaces. The adults are most often seen in the spring. Several species may occur together. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices. Jackman and Riley 1995.