Brachinus alexiguus
This record describes Brachinus alexiguus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Submentum densely setiferous (16 or more setae, fig. 21); larger, more robust beetles; antennae ferrugineous B. americanus (LeConte), p. 55 Submentum sparsely setiferous (10 or less, fig. 19); smaller beetles; antennal articles 3 and 4 infuscated B. alexiguus new species, p. 57 Type locality: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Brachininae
- Genus
- Brachinus (Bombardier Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eTX-eOK, sw.MS - Map - two spmns examined
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Apr (based on 2 spmns)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The reduction of wing membrane makes these beetles incapable of flight.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachinus alexiguus Erwin 1970
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus alexiguus. 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 Brachinus alexiguus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus alexiguus
What is Brachinus alexiguus?
Brachinus alexiguus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachinus alexiguus?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Brachinus alexiguus?
Submentum densely setiferous (16 or more setae, fig. 21); larger, more robust beetles; antennae ferrugineous B. americanus (LeConte), p. 55 Submentum sparsely setiferous (10 or less, fig. 19); smaller beetles; antennal articles 3 and 4 infuscated B. alexiguus new species, p. 57
Where is Brachinus alexiguus found?
Range: eTX-eOK, sw.MS - Map - two spmns examined
When is Brachinus alexiguus active?
Brachinus alexiguus: seasonal activity - Mar-Apr (based on 2 spmns).
What is the life cycle of a Brachinus alexiguus?
The reduction of wing membrane makes these beetles incapable of flight.