Brachinus americanus
This record describes Brachinus americanus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head, thorax, and legs ferruginous. Antenna; ferruginous, growing dusky towards the extremity. |
| Head | Head smooth, with a deep and long longitudinal impression between the eyes; eyes black. |
| Thorax | Thorax sparsely punctured; transverse impressions none; longitudinal line well marked; with a few transverse wrinkles on each side. |
| Elytra | Elytra bluish-black, costse smooth; intervals deep, wide, and punctured. Sternum ferruginous; abdomen very dark brown, almost black. (LeConte 1844) First two species LeConte described were: Galerita dubia - now a jr. syn. of Galerita bicolor (Drury) and Plochionus vittatus - now a subsp. of Plochionus amandus vittatus LeConte |
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
Habitat
There is no reason to believe that these beetles are restricted to areas near water (as are other species of Brachinus in North America).
Geographic Range
e US (c.TX-FL-NY-MN) - Map - Type Locality: Georgia - 440 specimens
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The reduction of wing membrane makes these beetles incapable of flight.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus americanus. 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 americanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus americanus
What is Brachinus americanus?
Brachinus americanus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachinus americanus?
8.0 to 13.0 mm
How do you identify Brachinus americanus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head, thorax, and legs ferruginous. Antenna; ferruginous, growing dusky towards the extremity. |
| Head | Head smooth, with a deep and long longitudinal impression between the eyes; eyes black. |
| Thorax | Thorax sparsely punctured; transverse impressions none; longitudinal line well marked; with a few transverse wrinkles on each side. |
| Elytra | Elytra bluish-black, costse smooth; intervals deep, wide, and punctured. Sternum ferruginous; abdomen very dark brown, almost black. (LeConte 1844) |
Where is Brachinus americanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | There is no reason to believe that these beetles are restricted to areas near water (as are other species of Brachinus in North America). |
| Range | e US (c.TX-FL-NY-MN) - Map - Type Locality: Georgia - 440 specimens |
What is the life cycle of a Brachinus americanus?
The reduction of wing membrane makes these beetles incapable of flight.