Brachypterus urticae
This record describes Brachypterus urticae (species). Recorded family: Kateretidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very small - probably less than 2 mm. A dark beetle with pale legs. It has punctate head, pronotum and elytra. Brachypterus glaber is similar but has dark legs. Occurs in a wide variety of habitats; woodland, parkland etc. and even the right kind of town centre garden, being dependant on nettles. They can often be found on umbellifers such as Hogweed. Adults and larvae feed on the buds and flowers of nettles. Widely distributed and usually common throughout England and Wales, with scattered records from Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Brachypterus urticae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachypterus_urticae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Kateretidae (Short-winged Flower Beetles)
- Genus
- Brachypterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs in a wide variety of habitats; woodland, parkland etc. and even the right kind of town centre garden, being dependant on nettles. They can often be found on umbellifers such as Hogweed.
Seasonal Activity
Summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults and larvae feed on the buds and flowers of nettles.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed and usually common throughout England and Wales, with scattered records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachypterus urticae. 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 Brachypterus urticae (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachypterus urticae
What is Brachypterus urticae?
Brachypterus urticae is a species in the family Kateretidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Brachypterus urticae found?
Habitat: Occurs in a wide variety of habitats; woodland, parkland etc. and even the right kind of town centre garden, being dependant on nettles. They can often be found on umbellifers such as Hogweed.
When is Brachypterus urticae active?
Brachypterus urticae: seasonal activity - Summer.
What is the life cycle of a Brachypterus urticae?
Adults and larvae feed on the buds and flowers of nettles.