Nemognatha nitidula
This record describes Nemognatha nitidula (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Related to and resembling N. lutea but readily distinguished by its reddish-testaceous ground color, usually vittate elytra, pale golden pubescence, more densely punctate pronotum and elytra. Body surface shining. Color uniformly reddish-testaceous except eyes, labrum, mandibles, galeae, antennae, center of scutellum, elytral vittae, and metasternum usually piceous, rarely with basal abdominal segments infuscate; tarsi, palpi, and first antenna! seg- ments fuscous. Galeae attaining apex of abdomen.
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
AZ & extreme se. CA
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jun
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts of adults: thistles ( Cirsium; Carduus , Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha nitidula Enns 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha nitidula. 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 nitidula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha nitidula
What is Nemognatha nitidula?
Nemognatha nitidula is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nemognatha nitidula?
7-11 mm
How do you identify Nemognatha nitidula?
Related to and resembling N. lutea but readily distinguished by its reddish-testaceous ground color, usually vittate elytra, pale golden pubescence, more densely punctate pronotum and elytra. Body surface shining. Color uniformly reddish-testaceous except eyes, labrum, mandibles, galeae, antennae, center of scutellum, elytral vittae, and metasternum usually piceous, rarely with basal abdominal segments infuscate; tarsi, palpi, and first antenna! seg- ments fuscous. Galeae attaining apex of abdomen.
Where is Nemognatha nitidula found?
Range: AZ & extreme se. CA
What does Nemognatha nitidula eat?
The diet of the Nemognatha nitidula includes Hosts of adults: thistles ( Cirsium; Carduus , Asteraceae).
When is Nemognatha nitidula active?
Nemognatha nitidula: seasonal activity - Mar-Jun.