Rhyphonemognatha rufa
This record describes Rhyphonemognatha rufa (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Similar to Nemognatha , but has galae unmodified. Bright red with appendages black. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum shiny, sparsely punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra densely punctate and pubescent. Type Locality: Texas |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Rhyphonemognatha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On ground cherry ( Physalis ); beetles are often deep in the flowers and hard to see
Geographic Range
AZ-TX, Upper Midwest / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults recorded from the flowers of Physalis subglabrata and Physalis heterophylla (Solanaceae) larval bee host unknown
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhyphonemognatha rufa. 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 Rhyphonemognatha rufa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyphonemognatha rufa
What is Rhyphonemognatha rufa?
Rhyphonemognatha rufa is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhyphonemognatha rufa?
7-9 mm
How do you identify Rhyphonemognatha rufa?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Similar to Nemognatha , but has galae unmodified. Bright red with appendages black. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum shiny, sparsely punctate. |
| Elytra | Elytra densely punctate and pubescent. |
Where is Rhyphonemognatha rufa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On ground cherry ( Physalis ); beetles are often deep in the flowers and hard to see |
| Range | AZ-TX, Upper Midwest / Mex. - Map |
What does Rhyphonemognatha rufa eat?
The diet of the Rhyphonemognatha rufa includes Adults recorded from the flowers of Physalis subglabrata and Physalis heterophylla (Solanaceae) larval bee host unknown.
When is Rhyphonemognatha rufa active?
Rhyphonemognatha rufa: seasonal activity - Mar-Sep.