Brachinus medius
This record describes Brachinus medius (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dark venter including lateral portion of metasternum. Entire metasternum may be pale in some individuals; metasternum not shortened; glabrous proepipleura & poroepisterna; antennomere #3 completely dark; antennomere #1 proportionately robust; protibia strigose. elytra greenish only in the Brownsville, TX area
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
transcontinental (BC‒CA to QC‒FL); ne.Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachinus medius Harris 1828
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus medius. 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 medius (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Peter Messer , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus medius
What is Brachinus medius?
Brachinus medius is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachinus medius?
5.2‒7.3 mm (one of our smallest Brachinus )
How do you identify Brachinus medius?
Dark venter including lateral portion of metasternum. Entire metasternum may be pale in some individuals; metasternum not shortened; glabrous proepipleura & poroepisterna; antennomere #3 completely dark; antennomere #1 proportionately robust; protibia strigose. elytra greenish only in the Brownsville, TX area
Where is Brachinus medius found?
Range: transcontinental (BC‒CA to QC‒FL); ne.Mexico