Badister elegans
This record describes Badister elegans (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Syntype Side margin of prothorax not wider near base; elytral spots confluent from stria 4 thru 9. Closely resembles B. macitlatus , differs only by the side margin of the prothorax not being wider towards the hind angles, the antennae piceous, with only antennomeres 1 & 2 pale
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Harpalinae
- Tribe
- Licinini
- Genus
- Badister
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. Great Plains (IL‒KS‒TX‒AL); ne.Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Badister elegans LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Badister elegans. 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.
Photos of Badister elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Badister elegans
What is Badister elegans?
Badister elegans is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Badister elegans?
5.5 mm
How do you identify Badister elegans?
Syntype Side margin of prothorax not wider near base; elytral spots confluent from stria 4 thru 9. Closely resembles B. macitlatus , differs only by the side margin of the prothorax not being wider towards the hind angles, the antennae piceous, with only antennomeres 1 & 2 pale
Where is Badister elegans found?
Range: s. Great Plains (IL‒KS‒TX‒AL); ne.Mexico