Gnorimella maculosa
This record describes Gnorimella maculosa (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Medium-sized scarab with prominent maculations . Bright yellow pygidium with dark U-shaped mark on ventral surface is also distinctive. rarely collected...
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Trichiini
- Genus
- Gnorimella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
frequents wooded areas
Geographic Range
e NA (e.TX-FL-NS-MN) - Map , mostly e. of the Miss. R., rare in Gulf states
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults found on a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, esp. Dogwood, wild rose, other Rosaceae (such as Rubus ), tulip-tree ( Liriodendron ). The beetles presumably take nectar and/or pollen.
Life History
Larvae have been collected from decomposing trunk of Redbud, Cercis canadensis ( 4 ) . Dr. Martin MacKenzie (pers. comm. to P. Coin) of the USDA Forest Service in West Virginia found a group of four larvae in a cavity about 25 feet (8 meters) up in a birch, Betula nigra . He reared three to adulthood. A correspondent of his reports that the adults come to antifreeze traps set out in woodlands.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: maculosus refers to spotted (maculate) pattern on pronotum and elytra.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gnorimella maculosa. 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 Gnorimella maculosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnorimella maculosa
What is Gnorimella maculosa?
Gnorimella maculosa is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gnorimella maculosa?
12-14 mm
How do you identify Gnorimella maculosa?
Medium-sized scarab with prominent maculations . Bright yellow pygidium with dark U-shaped mark on ventral surface is also distinctive.
Where is Gnorimella maculosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | frequents wooded areas |
| Range | e NA (e.TX-FL-NS-MN) - Map , mostly e. of the Miss. R., rare in Gulf states |
What does Gnorimella maculosa eat?
The diet of the Gnorimella maculosa includes Adults found on a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, esp. Dogwood, wild rose, other Rosaceae (such as Rubus ), tulip-tree ( Liriodendron ). The beetles presumably take nectar and/or pollen..
When is Gnorimella maculosa active?
Gnorimella maculosa: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Gnorimella maculosa?
Larvae have been collected from decomposing trunk of Redbud, Cercis canadensis ( 4 ) . Dr. Martin MacKenzie (pers. comm. to P. Coin) of the USDA Forest Service in West Virginia found a group of four larvae in a cavity about 25 feet (8 meters) up in a birch, Betula nigra . He reared three to adulthood. A correspondent of his reports that the adults come to antifreeze traps set out in woodlands.