Brachinus geniculatus
This record describes Brachinus geniculatus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last key couplet: Tarsi, tibiae, and apices of femora infuscated to black Usually the antennal articles 3 and 4 darker than 1 and 2. Tibiae infuscated, degree varied with specimens; elytra slate-colored. Det. Peter W. Messer, 2021 Type locality: environs de Carthagene that is, Cartagena, Colombia. (Erwin 1973)
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
c. TX through e. Mex. to n. Columbia - Map - 625 spmns examined
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachinus geniculatus Dejean 1831
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus geniculatus. 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 geniculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus geniculatus
What is Brachinus geniculatus?
Brachinus geniculatus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachinus geniculatus?
5.2 to 9.1 mm
How do you identify Brachinus geniculatus?
last key couplet: Tarsi, tibiae, and apices of femora infuscated to black Usually the antennal articles 3 and 4 darker than 1 and 2. Tibiae infuscated, degree varied with specimens; elytra slate-colored. Det. Peter W. Messer, 2021
Where is Brachinus geniculatus found?
Range: c. TX through e. Mex. to n. Columbia - Map - 625 spmns examined