Gymnetina cretacea
This record describes Gymnetina cretacea (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see discussion here: Det. Wm. B. Warner, 2011
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Gymnetini
- Genus
- Gymnetina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
found primarily in mesquite grassland habitats along the ecotone with Mexican oak woodland habitats
Geographic Range
se.AZ‒s.NM, Mexico; G. c. sundbergi is only known from Doña Aña Co., NM
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gymnetina cretacea (LeConte 1863)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gymnetina cretacea. 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 Gymnetina cretacea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by MJ Paulsen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Gymnetina cretacea
What is Gymnetina cretacea?
Gymnetina cretacea is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gymnetina cretacea?
19-27 mm
How do you identify Gymnetina cretacea?
see discussion here: Det. Wm. B. Warner, 2011
Where is Gymnetina cretacea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | found primarily in mesquite grassland habitats along the ecotone with Mexican oak woodland habitats |
| Range | se.AZ‒s.NM, Mexico; G. c. sundbergi is only known from Doña Aña Co., NM |
When is Gymnetina cretacea active?
Gymnetina cretacea: seasonal activity - Mar‒Oct.