Nemognatha scutellaris
This record describes Nemognatha scutellaris (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Entire ventral surface shining piceous; head piceous except vertex triangularly pale; elytra flavous or somewhat rufous usually with sutures and margins piceous at least apically (last key couplet) (Piceous is a glossy, brownish-black color that resembles pitch or tar)
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
WA-CA to sw.SD-CO-AZ
Seasonal Activity
27.II-27.X
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: reared from cells of 9 bee genera
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha scutellaris LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha scutellaris. 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 scutellaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha scutellaris
What is Nemognatha scutellaris?
Nemognatha scutellaris is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nemognatha scutellaris?
5-10 mm
How do you identify Nemognatha scutellaris?
Entire ventral surface shining piceous; head piceous except vertex triangularly pale; elytra flavous or somewhat rufous usually with sutures and margins piceous at least apically (last key couplet) (Piceous is a glossy, brownish-black color that resembles pitch or tar)
Where is Nemognatha scutellaris found?
Range: WA-CA to sw.SD-CO-AZ
What does Nemognatha scutellaris eat?
The diet of the Nemognatha scutellaris includes hosts: reared from cells of 9 bee genera.
When is Nemognatha scutellaris active?
Nemognatha scutellaris: seasonal activity - 27.II-27.X.