Brachinus mexicanus
This record describes Brachinus mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most characteristic is pubescence limited to lateral and apical portions of elytra, absent over entire center portion. last couplet: Elytra blue, micro sculpture coarse, surface dull The composition of this species seems to be more complex than most Brachinus species in the study area. Two forms are clearly recognizable in most of the range, except California. I refer to these forms as the high-costae morph and the low-costae morph. In California, these two forms merge in all characteristics, with local populations having both the extreme and intermediate forms. Det. Wendy Moore, 2023
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
always near water, either standing or flowing
Geographic Range
mostly sw US (OR-CA-c.TX-UT, plus singleton records from: AR, IL, SD, WA) to Guatemala - Map - 2,603 spmns
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachinus mexicanus Dejean 1831
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachinus mexicanus. 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 mexicanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachinus mexicanus
What is Brachinus mexicanus?
Brachinus mexicanus is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachinus mexicanus?
7.5-9.6 mm
How do you identify Brachinus mexicanus?
Most characteristic is pubescence limited to lateral and apical portions of elytra, absent over entire center portion. last couplet: Elytra blue, micro sculpture coarse, surface dull The composition of this species seems to be more complex than most Brachinus species in the study area. Two forms are clearly recognizable in most of the range, except California. I refer to these forms as the high-costae morph and the low-costae morph. In California, these two forms merge in all characteristics, with local populations having both the extreme and intermediate forms. Det. Wendy Moore, 2023
Where is Brachinus mexicanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | always near water, either standing or flowing |
| Range | mostly sw US (OR-CA-c.TX-UT, plus singleton records from: AR, IL, SD, WA) to Guatemala - Map - 2,603 spmns |