Nemognatha punctulata
This record describes Nemognatha punctulata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
John Pinto, pers.comm.: Problem with the inflated head feature is that the difference is not qualitataive -- the temples are rather inflated in piazata , and many other Nemognatha , also, only somewhat less so -- so one needs to look at the head from the front –- usually in punctulata the frontal area is flat or impressed which also helps. Elytral surface structure also helps –- but not always visible in photos.
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
se.US (VA-FL to IL-MS), e. of the Miss. R.
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha punctulata LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha punctulata. 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 punctulata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha punctulata
What is Nemognatha punctulata?
Nemognatha punctulata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nemognatha punctulata?
7.5-15 mm
How do you identify Nemognatha punctulata?
John Pinto, pers.comm.: Problem with the inflated head feature is that the difference is not qualitataive -- the temples are rather inflated in piazata , and many other Nemognatha , also, only somewhat less so -- so one needs to look at the head from the front –- usually in punctulata the frontal area is flat or impressed which also helps. Elytral surface structure also helps –- but not always visible in photos.
Where is Nemognatha punctulata found?
Range: se.US (VA-FL to IL-MS), e. of the Miss. R.
When is Nemognatha punctulata active?
Nemognatha punctulata: seasonal activity - Apr-Sep.