Blemus discus
This record describes Blemus discus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head dark brown or blackish; pronotum and basal half of elytra reddish-brown; distal half of elytra yellowish-brown; legs yellowish; pronotum trapezoidal, widest anteriorly; a broad dark brown or blackish band runs across the elytra just beyond the midpoint Accidentally introduced from Europe to the Montreal area in ship ballast. First recorded in 1933; has since spread east to Nova Scotia, west to Ontario, and south to adjacent northeastern states.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Trechinae
- Tribe
- Trechini
- Genus
- Blemus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
disturbed areas; waste places; adults come to lights
Geographic Range
native to Eurasia (transpalaearctic) , adventive in NA: se. Canada and ne. US (ME-PA-OH-WI) + IA (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Blemus discus discus (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Blemus discus. 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 Blemus discus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Blemus discus
What is Blemus discus?
Blemus discus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Blemus discus?
4.5-5.5 mm
How do you identify Blemus discus?
head dark brown or blackish; pronotum and basal half of elytra reddish-brown; distal half of elytra yellowish-brown; legs yellowish; pronotum trapezoidal, widest anteriorly; a broad dark brown or blackish band runs across the elytra just beyond the midpoint
Where is Blemus discus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | disturbed areas; waste places; adults come to lights |
| Range | native to Eurasia (transpalaearctic) , adventive in NA: se. Canada and ne. US (ME-PA-OH-WI) + IA (BG data) |