Rhyphonemognatha rufa
(LeConte, 1854)
Rose-winged Blister Beetle
Rhyphonemognatha rufa is a blister beetle in the Meloidae, Nemognathinae. It is commonly known as the Rose-winged Blister Beetle. The occurs in the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, and South America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The Rhyphonemognatha is distinguished by its elongated rostrum and is closely related to Nemognatha and Zonitis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhyphonemognatha rufa: /ˌrɪfəˌniːməˈɡnæθə ˈruːfə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from related by the elongated rostrum characteristic of Rhyphonemognatha. The name 'rufa' refers to reddish coloration. Separation from congeneric species requires examination of rostral proportions, antennal structure, and male genitalia. Similar to Nemognatha species but differs in rostral elongation and body proportions.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from North America, Middle America, and South America. Specific locality records require verification from primary literature.
Human Relevance
Like other blister beetles, contains and may be toxic if ingested. The Rose-winged Blister Beetle has no documented agricultural significance.
Similar Taxa
- NemognathaSimilar body form and flower-visiting ; distinguished by shorter rostrum and different antennal club structure
- ZonitisRelated nemognathine with similar habits; differs in rostral and wing venation patterns
- PseudozonitisOverlapping distribution and similar appearance; distinguished by genitalic characters and rostral proportions
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Species Records and Accounts
- Additional distributional and biological notes on Meloidae (Coleoptera) in the U.S.A. and Mexico, with emphasis onRhyphonemognatha rufa(LeConte, 1856)