Nemognatha explanata
This record describes Nemognatha explanata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Resembles N. lutea but differs markedly in its reddish color; expanded posterior angles of the pronotum . (emphasis added) Body surface moderately shining, reddish head and pronotum and reddish-testaceous elytra Det. Boris Büche, 2025 Holotype male and allotype taken on gumweed ( Grindelia inuloides ) at Bishop, Texas, April 17, 1952, Michener, Beamers, Wille, and LaBerge collectors.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Nemognatha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
n.TX to ne.Mex. (Saltillo, Coahuila) - Map , particularly common along the Balcones Fault up to Dallas
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jun
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Flower hosts of adults: Grindelia inuloides, Cirsium sp., Phacelia sp.; Argemone sp., Verbesina encelioides, Guajillo, Carduus sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha explanata Enns, 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha explanata. 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 Nemognatha explanata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha explanata
What is Nemognatha explanata?
Nemognatha explanata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nemognatha explanata?
8-12 mm
How do you identify Nemognatha explanata?
Resembles N. lutea but differs markedly in its reddish color; expanded posterior angles of the pronotum . (emphasis added) Body surface moderately shining, reddish head and pronotum and reddish-testaceous elytra Det. Boris Büche, 2025
Where is Nemognatha explanata found?
Range: n.TX to ne.Mex. (Saltillo, Coahuila) - Map , particularly common along the Balcones Fault up to Dallas
What does Nemognatha explanata eat?
The diet of the Nemognatha explanata includes Flower hosts of adults: Grindelia inuloides, Cirsium sp., Phacelia sp.; Argemone sp., Verbesina encelioides, Guajillo, Carduus sp..
When is Nemognatha explanata active?
Nemognatha explanata: seasonal activity - Mar-Jun.