Nemognatha selanderi
This record describes Nemognatha selanderi (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra finely punctate or rugose; pronotum finely to moderately coarsely punctate, immaculate; sw U. S.
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 to w. TX / n. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
July-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flower hosts of adults: Grindelia sp.; Melilotus sp.; Petalostemum sp.; Croton texensis; Croton sp.; Baileya multiradiata; Atriplex canescens; Baccharis glutinosa; and Fallugia paradoxa. Bee hosts of larvae: unknown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nemognatha selanderi Enns 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nemognatha selanderi. 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 selanderi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemognatha selanderi
What is Nemognatha selanderi?
Nemognatha selanderi is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Nemognatha selanderi?
Elytra finely punctate or rugose; pronotum finely to moderately coarsely punctate, immaculate; sw U. S.
Where is Nemognatha selanderi found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / n. Mex. - Map
When is Nemognatha selanderi active?
Nemognatha selanderi: seasonal activity - July-Oct (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Nemognatha selanderi?
Flower hosts of adults: Grindelia sp.; Melilotus sp.; Petalostemum sp.; Croton texensis; Croton sp.; Baileya multiradiata; Atriplex canescens; Baccharis glutinosa; and Fallugia paradoxa. Bee hosts of larvae: unknown.