Gnathoweisea texana
This record describes Gnathoweisea texana (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: TEXAS: Bell Co., Co. Rd., 4 ml. E. Heidenheimer, Barton Weems Farm, 26 Jun. 1978, coll. Robbins & Critchfield. USNM (101326).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sticholotidinae
- Tribe
- Microweiseini
- Genus
- Gnathoweisea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
known from c. TX - Map (See open circle)
Seasonal Activity
Found throughout the c. TX survey period of Mar-Aug, but half the 23 spmns coll'ed were in May
Diet and Behavior
Life History
23 spmns coll'ed in 2 yrs of c. TX arboreal surveys Mar-Aug, mostly on Juniperus ashei
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gnathoweisea texana Gordon 1985
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gnathoweisea texana. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnathoweisea texana
What is Gnathoweisea texana?
Gnathoweisea texana is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gnathoweisea texana?
length 1.0 mm
Where is Gnathoweisea texana found?
Range: known from c. TX - Map (See open circle)
When is Gnathoweisea texana active?
Gnathoweisea texana: seasonal activity - Found throughout the c. TX survey period of Mar-Aug, but half the 23 spmns coll'ed were in May.
What is the life cycle of a Gnathoweisea texana?
23 spmns coll'ed in 2 yrs of c. TX arboreal surveys Mar-Aug, mostly on Juniperus ashei