Nemognatha lutea
This record describes Nemognatha lutea (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
w. NA - Map N. l. lutea w.ND-w.TX to AB-NV-AZ & Mexico N. l. dichroa BC-CA to MB-CO N. l. dubia WA-CA
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flower hosts of adults: Principally thistle (Cirsium spp.; C. undulatum; and C. arvense) but also Helianthus sp.; Achillea sp.; Astral galus sp.; Arnica; Gandi thistle; and yarrow.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha lutea LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha lutea. 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 lutea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha lutea
How big is Nemognatha lutea?
7.5-15 mm
Where is Nemognatha lutea found?
Range: w. NA - Map N. l. lutea w.ND-w.TX to AB-NV-AZ & Mexico N. l. dichroa BC-CA to MB-CO N. l. dubia WA-CA
When is Nemognatha lutea active?
Nemognatha lutea: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Nemognatha lutea?
Flower hosts of adults: Principally thistle (Cirsium spp.; C. undulatum; and C. arvense) but also Helianthus sp.; Achillea sp.; Astral galus sp.; Arnica; Gandi thistle; and yarrow.