Gnathium minimum
This record describes Gnathium minimum (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra broadly infuscated [brown tinged] on sides and narrowly along suture Det. John Pinto, 2009 Type Locality: Arkansas (Territory?)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Gnathium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
sandy areas
Geographic Range
Most of w. US (CA-LA-WI-AB); FL; Mex. (Baja & Veracruz) - Map ; mostly: AZ-TX-MT, one of the most widespread Nearctic meloids, several disjunct populations
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Oct ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults usually on sunflowers ( Helianthus ), also on Cowpen Daisy ( Verbesina encelioides ) larvae found in nest of Fairy Bees ( Perdita , Andrenidae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gnathium minimum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Gnathium minimum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnathium minimum
What is Gnathium minimum?
Gnathium minimum is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gnathium minimum?
3.5-6.0 mm
How do you identify Gnathium minimum?
elytra broadly infuscated [brown tinged] on sides and narrowly along suture Det. John Pinto, 2009
Where is Gnathium minimum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy areas |
| Range | Most of w. US (CA-LA-WI-AB); FL; Mex. (Baja & Veracruz) - Map ; mostly: AZ-TX-MT, one of the most widespread Nearctic meloids, several disjunct populations |
What does Gnathium minimum eat?
The diet of the Gnathium minimum includes Adults usually on sunflowers ( Helianthus ), also on Cowpen Daisy ( Verbesina encelioides ) larvae found in nest of Fairy Bees ( Perdita , Andrenidae).
When is Gnathium minimum active?
Gnathium minimum: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Oct ( 3 ).