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Nemognatha scutellaris

Nemognatha scutellaris

The Nemognatha scutellaris is a special kind of beetle with a shiny, colorful body. It loves to hide in flowers and is often found in gardens, making it a fun little friend to spot while exploring nature!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Nemognatha scutellaris has a distinctive, long, snorkel-like proboscis extending from its head. Its body often shows an orange-yellow head and thorax, with contrasting black wing covers and a black scutellum, making it visually stand out on flowers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyMeloidaeGenusNemognatha
Nemognatha scutellaris
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Nemognatha scutellaris

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It belongs to a family of beetles called 'blister beetles'!

The larvae are masters of sneaking into bee nests!

They often look like other insects to trick predators.

This beetle has a mouthpart longer than its head!

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Snorkel

Nemognatha scutellaris has a super long proboscis that helps them reach deep nectar in tubular flowers, giving them access to special food.

Ability

Bee Hitchhiker

Nemognatha scutellaris larvae can hitch a ride on unsuspecting bees because this strategy helps them find a safe nursery and food supply.

Ability

Disguise Expert

Nemognatha scutellaris can often mimic bees in appearance and movement, which helps them avoid predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-24 mm
Size
6-12 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar and munch on pollen from flowers, but larvae feast on bee provisions!

Age differences: Larvae (triungulins) are parasitic, seeking out bee nests to feed on their stored pollen and sometimes the bee larvae or eggs.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Pollen
  • Bee larvae
  • Bee pollen provisions

Ecological connections

pollinates

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Adults feed on its nectar and pollen.

parasitizes

Red-bellied Miner Bee

Andrena erythrogastra

Larvae develop in its nest, consuming provisions.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Provides nectar and pollen for adults.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch where you step when exploring gardens to protect tiny creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nemognatha scutellaris's wingspan?

12-24 mm

How big is Nemognatha scutellaris?

6-12 mm

How long does Nemognatha scutellaris live?

20-40 days

What does Nemognatha scutellaris eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar and munch on pollen from flowers, but larvae feast on bee provisions!

Where is Nemognatha scutellaris usually found?

Gardens

How many legs does Nemognatha scutellaris have?

6

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