Gnathium nitidum
This record describes Gnathium nitidum (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. J.D. Pinto, 2014
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
sea level to ~3000 m
Geographic Range
w. NA (east to AB-w.TX) - Map , mostly sw US
Seasonal Activity
17.vii-29.x
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults usually on rabbitbrush - Chrysothamnus (Asteraceae); larvae found in nest of the Fairy Bee, Perdita luteola (Andrenidae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gnathium nitidum Horn 1870
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gnathium nitidum. 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 nitidum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnathium nitidum
How big is Gnathium nitidum?
3.1-5.6 mm
How do you identify Gnathium nitidum?
Det. J.D. Pinto, 2014
Where is Gnathium nitidum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sea level to ~3000 m |
| Range | w. NA (east to AB-w.TX) - Map , mostly sw US |
What does Gnathium nitidum eat?
The diet of the Gnathium nitidum includes Adults usually on rabbitbrush - Chrysothamnus (Asteraceae); larvae found in nest of the Fairy Bee, Perdita luteola (Andrenidae).
When is Gnathium nitidum active?
Gnathium nitidum: seasonal activity - 17.vii-29.x.