Nemognatha nigripennis
This record describes Nemognatha nigripennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum scarcely wider than long, not oval; abdomen usually reddish, rarely fuscous; western US Head and pronotum orange; femora excl. tips orange; elytra either orange, with darker tips, or black . (empaphsis added) pale forms usually have a 'scutellar smudge' not mentioned in the literature (that I'm aware of), but note that the scutellum itself is usually not darkened - MAQ
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 US (OR-CA-w.TX-CO), Mexico (at least Baja Ca.) - Map distribution of Nemognatha (Pauronemognatha) nigripennis and N. (Pauronemognatha) nemorensis .
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Flower hosts of adults: Eriogonum sp., E. fasciculatum, E. umbcllatum, E. elongation, Gerca canescens, Pluchea sericea, P. sericans, Erigcron stenophyllum, Aster sp., Solidago californica, Cirsiuin californicum, Chrysothamnus sp., Grindelia patens, G. camporum, Pctalonyx tliurbcri, Bailey a multiradiata, Cliaenactis carphoclinia, Bahia pedata, Asclepias sp. Bee hosts of larvae: reared from cells of Dianthidium, Megachile, Hoplitis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha nigripennis LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha nigripennis. 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 nigripennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha nigripennis
What is Nemognatha nigripennis?
Nemognatha nigripennis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nemognatha nigripennis?
5-10 mm
How do you identify Nemognatha nigripennis?
Pronotum scarcely wider than long, not oval; abdomen usually reddish, rarely fuscous; western US Head and pronotum orange; femora excl. tips orange; elytra either orange, with darker tips, or black . (empaphsis added) pale forms usually have a 'scutellar smudge' not mentioned in the literature (that I'm aware of), but note that the scutellum itself is usually not darkened - MAQ
Where is Nemognatha nigripennis found?
Range: w US (OR-CA-w.TX-CO), Mexico (at least Baja Ca.) - Map distribution of Nemognatha (Pauronemognatha) nigripennis and N. (Pauronemognatha) nemorensis .
What does Nemognatha nigripennis eat?
The diet of the Nemognatha nigripennis includes Flower hosts of adults: Eriogonum sp., E. fasciculatum, E. umbcllatum, E. elongation, Gerca canescens, Pluchea sericea, P. sericans, Erigcron stenophyllum, Aster sp., Solidago californica, Cirsiuin californicum, Chrysothamnus sp., Grindelia patens, G. camporum, Pctalonyx tliurbcri, Bailey a multiradiata, Cliaenactis carphoclinia, Bahia pedata, Asclepias sp. Bee hosts of larvae: reared from cells of Dianthidium, Megachile, Hoplitis.
When is Nemognatha nigripennis active?
Nemognatha nigripennis: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.