Brachiacantha lepida
This record describes Brachiacantha lepida (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - elytral color pattern unique within genus Gordon located 3 type specimens of lepida and here designate and label a male labeled Mexico as the lectotype. One paralectotype in the Paris Museum bears no data and one paralectotype in the British Museum (NH) is labeled Named by Mulsant.
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
"Texas" / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map literature record by Crotch from "Texas", but no known US records since them.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha lepida Mulsant, 1850
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha lepida. 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 lepida (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachiacantha lepida
What is Brachiacantha lepida?
Brachiacantha lepida is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachiacantha lepida?
2.5 to 3.6 mm
How do you identify Brachiacantha lepida?
Gordon's figures - elytral color pattern unique within genus
Where is Brachiacantha lepida found?
Range: Texas / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map literature record by Crotch from Texas, but no known US records since them.