Diacheila arctica
This record describes Diacheila arctica (species). Recorded family: Carabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Black with brassy, coppery or greenish lustre, mandibles, tibiae and often tarsi reddish brown. Slenderer, more parallel-sided than polita . Prothorax with lateral carina, sides slightly sinuate in basal half. |
| Elytra | Elytra with regular rows of fine punctures, 5. stria foveate at base inside the protruding shoulders; microsculpture isodiametric over the entire surface. |
| Wings | Wings fully developed (greatly reduced in D. polita ). (Lindroth 1961) very rare (Lindroth 1961) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Carabidae (Ground Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaphrinae
- Genus
- Diacheila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
margins of small lakes/ponds, dry tundra ; strongly hygrophilous (Lindroth 1961)
Geographic Range
Holarctic circumpolar; in NA, known from LB, NT, AK
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinter as adults
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diacheila arctica. 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 Diacheila arctica (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charlene Wood; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Diacheila arctica
What is Diacheila arctica?
Diacheila arctica is a species in the family Carabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diacheila arctica?
7-9 mm (Lindroth 1961)
How do you identify Diacheila arctica?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Black with brassy, coppery or greenish lustre, mandibles, tibiae and often tarsi reddish brown. Slenderer, more parallel-sided than polita . Prothorax with lateral carina, sides slightly sinuate in basal half. |
| Elytra | Elytra with regular rows of fine punctures, 5. stria foveate at base inside the protruding shoulders; microsculpture isodiametric over the entire surface. |
| Wings | Wings fully developed (greatly reduced in D. polita ). (Lindroth 1961) |
Where is Diacheila arctica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | margins of small lakes/ponds, dry tundra ; strongly hygrophilous (Lindroth 1961) |
| Range | Holarctic circumpolar; in NA, known from LB, NT, AK |
What is the life cycle of a Diacheila arctica?
Overwinter as adults