Brachiacantha decora
This record describes Brachiacantha decora (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures Type locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas
Identification notes
Gordon's Figures
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Brachiacantha (Spurleg Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern half of TX, se FL, (plus AZ - 1 record) / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha decora Casey , 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha decora. 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 Brachiacantha decora (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachiacantha decora
What is Brachiacantha decora?
Brachiacantha decora is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachiacantha decora?
Length 3.0 to 4.2 mm
How do you identify Brachiacantha decora?
Gordon's Figures
Where is Brachiacantha decora found?
Range: southern half of TX, se FL, (plus AZ - 1 record) / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map