Nanularia obrienorum
This record describes Nanularia obrienorum (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are frequently found on Eriogonum in the late afternoon to evening (5-7 pm) in desert like habitat. Type locality: CA, Kern Co., McKittrick
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysochroinae
- Tribe
- Chrysochroini
- Genus
- Nanularia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
USA: CA
Seasonal Activity
Mid-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host plant is Eriogonum ; adults also on Atriplex polycarpa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species: Knull, 1971
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nanularia obrienorum. 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 Nanularia obrienorum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by William Ericson; Additional contributions by Joshua P. Basham , jahansen , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nanularia obrienorum
What is Nanularia obrienorum?
Nanularia obrienorum is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Nanularia obrienorum found?
Range: USA: CA
What does Nanularia obrienorum eat?
The diet of the Nanularia obrienorum includes Larval host plant is Eriogonum ; adults also on Atriplex polycarpa.
When is Nanularia obrienorum active?
Nanularia obrienorum: seasonal activity - Mid-July.