Brassicogethes
Brassicogethes
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Cucujoidea
- Family: Nitidulidae
- Subfamily: Meligethinae
- Genus: Brassicogethes
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brassicogethes: //brəˌsɪkoʊˈɡɛθ.iːz//
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Summary
Brassicogethes is a genus of pollen beetles within the Nitidulidae family, comprising at least 4 recognized species, commonly associated with flowering plants in the Brassicaceae family, contributing both to pollination and larval development within their inflorescences.
Physical Characteristics
Small beetles measuring 1.4–3.3 mm in length.
Identification Tips
Identification can be aided by examining their habitat on Brassicaceae flowers and utilizing updated keys to species such as those in Hoebeke and Wheeler (1996).
Habitat
Primarily associated with flowers of the Brassicaceae family, including the subfamilies Arabideae, Brassiceae, and Hesperideae.
Distribution
Holarctic and Oriental regions; in North America found south to southern California and northwest Mexico, and east to the Appalachian Mountains.
Diet
Larvae develop in the flowers of Brassicaceae, where they likely feed on pollen and plant tissues.
Life Cycle
Detailed life cycle information is not provided, but larvae develop within the flowers of host plants.
Reproduction
Specific reproductive behaviors are not detailed, but typical for beetles in this family involves oviposition in host flowers.
Ecosystem Role
Act as pollinators and may contribute to the dynamics of the ecosystems by interacting with specific plant families.
Evolution
Brassicogethes is part of the Meligethinae subfamily of the Nitidulidae family.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Beetles
- Pollen Beetles
- Brassicogethes
- Nitidulidae