ColeopteraCarabidae

Badister dilatatus

This record describes Badister dilatatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Badister dilatatus - Badister dilatatus

4.5-5.5mm. Black or dark brown. Legs dark brown. Mandibles truncate and left mandible with a dorsal notch. Pronotal hind angles rounded. Badister collaris and B. peltatus but both very rare and only found in the far south of England (so far). Neither of these species generally exceeds 5mm. In litter, amongst logs and vegetation near to standing water. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Family
Carabidae
Genus
Badister

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

In litter, amongst logs and vegetation near to standing water.

Seasonal Activity

All year.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Uncommon, mainly in the south and east.

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Badister dilatatus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Badister dilatatus (3)

Badister dilatatus - photo 1
Badister dilatatus - photo 2
Badister dilatatus - photo 3

Frequently Asked Questions About Badister dilatatus

What is Badister dilatatus?

Badister dilatatus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

Where is Badister dilatatus found?

Habitat: In litter, amongst logs and vegetation near to standing water.

When is Badister dilatatus active?

Badister dilatatus: seasonal activity - All year..