ColeopteraCarabidae – Ground Beetles

Brachinus cyanipennis

This record describes Brachinus cyanipennis (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Brachinus cyanipennis - Brachinus cyanipennis
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

The most distinctive feature (magnifications required) are the extra long erect setae along elytral interval 3.

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

e NA (NS-MB to SC-AL-c.TX-?NM) - Map - 2,095 spmns

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Brachinus cyanipennis Say 1823

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus cyanipennis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Brachinus cyanipennis (5)

Brachinus cyanipennis - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Brachinus cyanipennis - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Brachinus cyanipennis - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Brachinus cyanipennis - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Brachinus cyanipennis - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus cyanipennis

What is Brachinus cyanipennis?

Brachinus cyanipennis is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Brachinus cyanipennis?

8-12 mm

How do you identify Brachinus cyanipennis?

The most distinctive feature (magnifications required) are the extra long erect setae along elytral interval 3.

Where is Brachinus cyanipennis found?

Range: e NA (NS-MB to SC-AL-c.TX-?NM) - Map - 2,095 spmns

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.