Gymnetina
Casey, 1915
Species Guides
3Gymnetina is a of flower and fruit chafers (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) comprising approximately six described . Members are attracted to sweet baits such as fermenting fruit or wine, and at least one (G. cretacea sundbergi) is to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. The genus occurs primarily in the Nearctic region, with species distributed across southwestern and south-central North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gymnetina: //d͡ʒɪm.nəˈtaɪ.nə//
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Identification
Gymnetina are small to medium-sized cetoniine scarabs with the characteristic oval, convex body shape typical of flower chafers. They can be distinguished from related such as Cotinis by subtle differences in antennal club structure, tarsal , and elytral sculpturing. Specific identification requires examination of male genitalia and detailed comparison of punctation patterns and coloration.
Habitat
have been collected in juniper-oak-pinyon woodland and mesquite-acacia thornscrub. The G. cretacea sundbergi occurs in mountainous oak-juniper woodland at moderate elevations.
Distribution
Nearctic region, primarily southwestern and south-central North America. Documented from New Mexico, with the G. cretacea sundbergi to the Organ Mountains. Other occur more broadly in the southern United States and Mexico.
Seasonality
have been collected in late summer and early fall (September). Activity likely coincides with late-season flowering of plants and availability of fermenting fruit.
Behavior
are attracted to sweet red wine (SRW) baited traps, indicating a preference for fermenting fruit or other sugar sources. This is typical of many cetoniine scarabs.
Similar Taxa
- CotinisBoth are small to medium-sized cetoniines with similar overall body form and attraction to sweet baits. Gymnetina can be distinguished by antennal and tarsal characters, as well as more subtle differences in elytral sculpturing.
- EuphoriaAnother of small cetoniines frequently captured in similar trapping regimes. Euphoria often show more pronounced metallic coloration and differ in antennal club structure.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was originally described by Casey in 1915. Some sources cite Kirby (1827) as the author, but this appears to reflect confusion with the subtribe Gymnetina (Kirby, 1827) within the tribe Gymnetini. The genus-level authority is Casey, 1915.
Recent taxonomic work
Ratcliffe and Warner described multiple new in 2011 (G. borealis, G. grossepunctata, G. howdeni), indicating ongoing revisionary work on the . The G. cretacea sundbergi was described more recently and is to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico.