Brachiacantha dentipes
This record describes Brachiacantha dentipes (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Fairly large (for this genus). Front tibia has arc-shaped flange, prominent spine. Elytra strongly marked with yellow spot at apex (tip) plus a band above, sometimes broken into two spots. See discussion here: Type locality: Habitat in Carolina
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
e. US (CO-FL-NJ-SD) - iNat Map , records consentrated across s. FL , Gordon's Historical Map (shaded area)
Seasonal Activity
year round
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: dentipes (L). "tooth" + "foot"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha dentipes. 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 dentipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachiacantha dentipes
What is Brachiacantha dentipes?
Brachiacantha dentipes is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachiacantha dentipes?
4.8-6.3 mm
How do you identify Brachiacantha dentipes?
Gordon's figures Fairly large (for this genus). Front tibia has arc-shaped flange, prominent spine. Elytra strongly marked with yellow spot at apex (tip) plus a band above, sometimes broken into two spots. See discussion here:
Where is Brachiacantha dentipes found?
Range: e. US (CO-FL-NJ-SD) - iNat Map , records consentrated across s. FL , Gordon's Historical Map (shaded area)
When is Brachiacantha dentipes active?
Brachiacantha dentipes: seasonal activity - year round.