Gnostus floridanus
This record describes Gnostus floridanus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unmistakeable in the context of the N-American fauna. Full species name: Gnostus floridanus Blatchley, 1930
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ptininae
- Genus
- Gnostus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The sp. lives in nests of Crematogaster ashmeadi in the bark of living longleaf pines.
Geographic Range
Florida and the Bahamas.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gnostus floridanus. 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 Gnostus floridanus
What is Gnostus floridanus?
Gnostus floridanus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Gnostus floridanus?
Unmistakeable in the context of the N-American fauna.
Where is Gnostus floridanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The sp. lives in nests of Crematogaster ashmeadi in the bark of living longleaf pines. |
| Range | Florida and the Bahamas. |