Megetra punctata
This record describes Megetra punctata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head and pronotum relatively smooth, without clearly visible microreticulation at 32X magnification. Dorsal surface of elytra are coarsely punctate (not reticulate as in M. cancellata and vittata ). |
| Elytra | Elytra are rounded from top to side; the other two species have a well-defined edge. |
| Antennae | Antennae generally shorter (as in M. vittata ) than in M. cancellata . (based on Selander, 1965; see Reference below) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Eupomphini
- Genus
- Megetra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Chihuahuan Desert (Selander, 1965)
Geographic Range
se AZ-sw NM / Mex. (Chihuahua, to sw Coahuila, and s Durango) - Map (Selander, 1965) Recorded altitudinal range: 4000 - 5000 ft. in USA; higher in Mexico, to 8500 ft near El Salto, Durango.
Seasonal Activity
July - September, with highest number recorded for August. (Selander, 1965)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults of this species have been reported feeding on Boerhavia erecta (Nyctaginaceae) in Chihuahua (at least two Boerhavia spp. grow in southern AZ); on Kallstroemia grandiflora (Zygophyllaceae) near Rodeo, NM; other prostrate herbaceous plants. (Selander, 1965)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Megetra punctata Selander, 1965
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Megetra punctata. 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 Megetra punctata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Megetra punctata
What is Megetra punctata?
Megetra punctata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Megetra punctata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head and pronotum relatively smooth, without clearly visible microreticulation at 32X magnification. Dorsal surface of elytra are coarsely punctate (not reticulate as in M. cancellata and vittata ). |
| Elytra | Elytra are rounded from top to side; the other two species have a well-defined edge. |
| Antennae | Antennae generally shorter (as in M. vittata ) than in M. cancellata . (based on Selander, 1965; see Reference below) |
Where is Megetra punctata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Chihuahuan Desert (Selander, 1965) |
| Range | se AZ-sw NM / Mex. (Chihuahua, to sw Coahuila, and s Durango) - Map (Selander, 1965) Recorded altitudinal |
| Range | 4000 - 5000 ft. in USA; higher in Mexico, to 8500 ft near El Salto, Durango. |
What does Megetra punctata eat?
The diet of the Megetra punctata includes Adults of this species have been reported feeding on Boerhavia erecta (Nyctaginaceae) in Chihuahua (at least two Boerhavia spp. grow in southern AZ); on Kallstroemia grandiflora (Zygophyllaceae) near Rodeo, NM; other prostrate herbaceous plants. (Selander, 1965).
When is Megetra punctata active?
Megetra punctata: seasonal activity - July - September, with highest number recorded for August. (Selander, 1965).